Actress reveals how her teenage job as a magician’s assistant helped prepare her for playing the mythical sorceress in Nolan’s epic film
Samantha Morton has opened up about her extraordinary journey from working as a teenage magician’s assistant in England to portraying the legendary sorceress Circe in The Odyssey, describing the experience as “movie magic”.
Speaking to Entertainment Weekly, the Oscar-nominated actress revealed that her unusual childhood job unexpectedly helped her prepare for one of the most memorable sequences in Christopher Nolan’s highly anticipated epic.
Before becoming an acclaimed actor, Morton worked as an assistant for Nottingham illusionists The Pendragons. Her experience in gymnastics and dance allowed her to take part in complex stage illusions, skills that later became valuable while performing as the powerful enchantress Circe.
Samantha Morton’s early illusion work influenced Circe role
Morton explained that her background in magic helped her understand movement, timing and visual performance, which proved useful while working on the fantasy elements of The Odyssey.
The actress admitted that she had never read Homer’s The Odyssey while growing up, but Nolan’s screenplay changed her understanding of Circe. Instead of viewing the character as a traditional villain, Morton saw her as a woman shaped by trauma and difficult experiences.
In the film, Circe initially appears vulnerable before revealing her supernatural abilities. One of the story’s most striking moments features the sorceress transforming Odysseus’ men into swine, creating a visually dramatic and unsettling sequence.
Morton’s portrayal has received praise from audiences and critics, with many highlighting the emotional complexity she brings to the ancient mythological figure.
Filming Circe scenes creates personal connection
The actress also reflected on filming in Scotland, saying the landscape carried special meaning because of her ancestral connection to the region.
Morton praised Christopher Nolan’s practical filmmaking approach, highlighting the use of real locations, practical effects and collaboration between cast and crew.
“It felt like real movie magic,” Morton said while discussing her experience on the production.
Christopher Nolan praises Samantha Morton’s performance
Since the film’s release, Morton’s portrayal of Circe has become one of the most recognised performances in The Odyssey.
Christopher Nolan and producer Emma Thomas previously revealed that Morton’s performance received a standing ovation from the crew. They compared the reaction to the response surrounding Heath Ledger’s iconic performance as the Joker in The Dark Knight.
Morton described the comparison as a great honour and an emotional tribute to Ledger, whom she admired.
The Odyssey features star-studded cast
Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey features a major Hollywood cast, including Matt Damon as Odysseus, alongside Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Zendaya, Robert Pattinson and Charlize Theron.
With its large-scale production and acclaimed performances, The Odyssey has become one of the most anticipated films, with Samantha Morton’s interpretation of Circe emerging as one of the adaptation’s standout elements.