Ludwig Göransson Forges 'The Odyssey' Score from Ancient Greek Instruments and Scrap Metal

Composer Ludwig Göransson has taken a radically different approach for Christopher Nolan's upcoming epic "The Odyssey," steering clear of a traditional orchestra in favor of ancient Greek instruments, scrap metals, and gongs. Variety reported that Nolan specifically instructed Göransson to avoid using an orchestra altogether, pushing him to create an authentic sonic landscape for the film. This marks their third collaboration after "Tenet" and "Oppenheimer," and a notable departure from Göransson's recent synth-heavy work on "Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu."

VarietyLudwig Göransson Uses Ancient Greek Instruments and Scrap Metals for Christopher Nolan's 'The Odyssey' Score

"Nolan instructed Göransson to avoid using an orchestra, pushing him to explore ancient Greek instruments, scrap metals, and gongs to create an authentic sound for the film."

Early reactions to the score are already glowing. In a review for EVOKE, the critic declared that "The Odyssey" has "swiftly scooped a spot in my top three Christopher Nolan films of all time," praising Göransson's work as "breathtaking." The review noted that while Hans Zimmer has long been Nolan's go-to composer, Göransson more than rose to the occasion this time around.

"It's breathtaking. It had all ..."

Variety's report highlights just how unconventional the process was: Göransson dug into percussion made from salvaged metal alongside ancient instruments, a method far removed from his usual palette. The result, according to the early EVOKE review, is a score that elevates the film into Nolan's upper echelon, showing the director's willingness to reinvent even his musical collaborations for a project of this scale.