John Leguizamo offers rare insight into working with 'coolest, funniest, realest' Matt Damon
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: John Leguizamo is looking forward to reuniting with Matt Damon after starring alongside him in Christopher Nolan’s 'The Odyssey.' The actor spoke about their friendship and upcoming collaboration while attending the Critics Choice Association’s 6th Celebration Of Cinema & Television in California, on Friday, October 2.
Speaking with PEOPLE, the 66-year-old actor revealed that he and Damon, 55, are set to work together again in a film directed by Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, known as the Daniels and the co-directors of 'Everything Everywhere All at Once.
John Leguizamo praises Matt Damon ahead of Daniels movie
Leguizamo said working with Damon is “a joy and a half,” describing him as “the coolest, funniest, realest dude” he has ever spent time with. He added that he would be willing to work with Damon for a third time if the actor is willing to “tolerate” him.
The upcoming project will mark another collaboration between the pair following their roles in 'The Odyssey' and their first project together, the 2000 animated sci-fi film 'Titan A.E.' Deadline previously reported that the Daniels will write and direct the unnamed movie, which also stars Sandra Oh, Sean Kaufman, Michael Gandolfini and Charles Melton.
Leguizamo said he was not allowed to reveal details about the film, but described the experience as “amazing.” He praised the cast, particularly the younger actors, saying they are talented and inspire him. He added that their work gives him “so much hope and so much joy.” No additional details about the movie are currently available.
John Leguizamo reflects on 'The Odyssey'
Leguizamo, who received a Career Achievement Award at the Celebration Of Cinema & Television, also praised Nolan’s 'The Odyssey' and discussed its potential during awards season. He called the film “a beautiful gift to the world” and “a piece of art,” adding that he believes it will become part of cinema history.
According to Leguizamo, Nolan’s script is powerful and timely, describing the movie as an anti-war picture in the current era. He said he hopes the film receives “all the love it deserves.”
John Leguizamo recalls his 'Miami Vice' debut
The actor also reflected on his first television role, an episode of 'Miami Vice' in 1986. Leguizamo recalled that the role gave him his first paycheck when he was struggling financially and said the money allowed him to eat.
Four decades later, he is returning to the 'Miami Vice' world in the upcoming 'Miami Vice ’85' alongside Austin Butler and Michael B. Jordan, playing what he described as “kind of the lead role.”
In 'The Odyssey,' Damon plays Odysseus, the king of Ithaca who undertakes a long journey home, while Leguizamo portrays Eumaeus, a blind servant in the Ithacan palace who is a friend of Odysseus and helps raise his son, Telemachus, played by Tom Holland.
