About this episode

John Leguizamo discusses his career and experiences working with Christopher Nolan on The Odyssey.

John Leguizamo has had one of the most varied and versatile careers in Hollywood, appearing in over 100 films across every genre imaginable. From Carlito's Way and To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar to Ice Age and Encanto, he has a knack for scene-stealing performances that leave an enduring mark on moviegoers. Now, he’s taking on another unforgettable role in Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey: Eumaeus, Odysseus’s faithful servant and trusted friend—or as Nolan pitched it to him, “the most loyal character in Western literature.” In this episode, John talks to Jacqueline Coley about stepping onto a Christopher Nolan set for the first time, the unique challenges of shooting entirely on IMAX film, and the deep bond he formed with Matt Damon as they developed their characters’ friendship. A decorated playwright in his own right, he praises Nolan’s Odyssey screenplay and describes how writing and improvisation have shaped his approach to acting. He also looks back on some of his most beloved screen performances, from Chi-Chi Rodriguez in To Wong Foo to Sid the Sloth in the Ice Age films, and his lifelong commitment to representation and portraying oddballs, outsiders, and…

People in this episode

Host: Jacqueline Coley

Guest: John Leguizamo

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Christopher Nolan

Books & works: The Odyssey, Carlito's Way, To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar, Ice Age, Encanto

More episodes of Seen on the Screen with Jacqueline Coley

• Lupita Nyong’o and Himesh Patel on Christopher Nolan’s IMAX Epic, The Odyssey · July 15, 2026 · 31 min
• Director Michael Sarnoski Talks Working with Hugh Jackman for The Death of Robin Hood · June 17, 2026 · 42 min

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