Warrior Odysseus leaves his idyllic life in the kingdom of Ithaca to fight in the Trojan War. Following victory, he now must endure a lengthy, decade-long return journey, and with all his wits, overcome deadly monsters, powerful forces of nature, seductive enchantresses, and even journey into the bowels of the Underworld.
Main Cast of The Odyssey
Armand Assante
Odysseus
Fans of Armand Assante might enjoy his role in the TV series 'The Odyssey' because it showcases his ability to portray complex, adventurous characters similar to his most iconic performance as John
Gotti in 'Gotti.' In 'The Odyssey,' Assante brings a commanding presence and a deep emotional range to his character, engaging viewers with a mythologically rich storyline. Unlike his portrayal of the real-life mob boss Gotti, the character in 'The Odyssey' is steeped in classical mythology, allowing Assante to explore a more fantastical and epic narrative. An interesting detail is that Assante's casting in 'The Odyssey' was influenced by his theatrical background, which added a dramatic flair to the series' adaptation of Homer's epic tale.
Greta Scacchi
Penelope
Greta Scacchi played a significant role in the TV miniseries 'The Odyssey,' where she took on the character of Penelope. Her performance was widely praised for its emotional depth and nuanced portrayal, bringing a fresh and compelling perspective to the classic character. What made her performance unique was her ability to balance strength and vulnerability, embodying Penelope's enduring loyalty and intelligence in a way that resonated with contemporary audiences. A lesser-known behind-the-scenes fact is that Scacchi immersed herself in Ancient Greek culture and language studies during filming to ensure authenticity, even practicing traditional weaving techniques to fully connect with her character's domestic skills.
Isabella Rossellini
Athena
Fans of Isabella
Rossellini will appreciate her role in the TV series 'The Odyssey' as it showcases her ability to embody complex, multifaceted characters, much like her most iconic performance in David Lynch's '
Blue Velvet.' In 'The Odyssey,' she brings a captivating depth to her character that resonates with the mysterious and ethereal qualities she is known for. An interesting and unexpected detail about her casting is that despite the series being rooted in mythological adventure, Rossellini's character offers a surprisingly contemporary and psychologically nuanced perspective, adding layers beyond the traditional narrative framework.
Crew of The Odyssey
Full backstage crew list →