Just two days after its worldwide theatrical release, Christopher Nolan’s epic The Odyssey continues to attract widespread acclaim from critics and audiences, with reviewers praising the scale of the production, its cinematic execution, and Nolan’s adaptation of Homer’s legendary tale. The film is also turning attention toward the countries that hosted its filming, with Morocco emerging as one of the most prominent locations.
The film’s global success is expected to generate positive spillover effects for Morocco’s tourism sector, as several key sequences were shot across the country. International media and film industry publications have described the production as an indirect promotional showcase for its filming locations, highlighting their striking landscapes and historic architecture.
According to production information released by NBC Universal and industry publications, The Odyssey was filmed across five countries: Morocco, Greece, Italy, Iceland and Scotland. Morocco, however, plays a particularly prominent role, serving as the backdrop for the recreation of the ancient city of Troy and several pivotal scenes in the story.
Film industry sources said Nolan selected the UNESCO-listed village of Aït Ben Haddou to portray Troy, capitalizing on its distinctive earthen architecture. The site has previously featured in major Hollywood productions including Gladiator, The Mummy, and Lawrence of Arabia.
Filming also extended beyond Aït Ben Haddou to several other Moroccan locations, including Marrakech, Tahanaout, Al Haouz Province, Ouarzazate, Essaouira, and other areas in southern Morocco, where vast natural landscapes provided the setting for large-scale battle scenes and other epic sequences.
One of the film’s most ambitious scenes, the legendary arrival of the Trojan Horse, was filmed in Essaouira. Lead actor Matt Damon described the sequence as “astonishing,” noting that thousands of people took part in the production, reflecting Nolan’s preference for practical effects and real-world filmmaking over heavy reliance on computer-generated imagery.
Industry observers believe the film could further strengthen Morocco’s appeal among both international tourists and global production companies. Previous Nolan films have sparked renewed interest in their filming locations, with many becoming destinations for cinema enthusiasts.
The production is also expected to reinforce Morocco’s reputation as a leading international filming destination, thanks to the diversity of landscapes showcased on screen, as well as the country’s established production infrastructure and experienced film crews.
Observers say the international exposure generated by The Odyssey is likely to enhance the visibility of Morocco's filming locations, particularly destinations such as Dakhla, Essaouira, Ouarzazate, and Aït Ben Haddou, potentially boosting their appeal to both tourists and future international productions.
The Odyssey ranks among the largest film productions of recent years. Shot using the latest IMAX technology, the film features a star-studded cast including Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Zendaya, and Charlize Theron. Production lasted 91 days, with filming taking place across multiple countries.
Nolan has previously said that he deliberately chose real locations instead of relying on studio sets or extensive visual effects, arguing that Odysseus’ legendary journey demanded an authentic filmmaking experience capable of capturing the spirit of the original epic.
