sportingnews
Hockey enthusiasts attending screenings of 'The Odyssey' might do a double-take upon spotting a recognizable figure from the ice rink making multiple appearances in the epic film. Sean Avery, once known for his agitator tactics during his NHL tenure, has transitioned into a Hollywood career post-retirement.
Avery's professional hockey journey included stints with the New York Rangers, Detroit Red Wings, Los Angeles Kings, and Dallas Stars. Now, he's expanding his celebrity footprint by featuring in Christopher Nolan's cinematic ventures. 'The Odyssey' represents the third consecutive Nolan production to include Avery, albeit in minor roles. While Avery's acting portfolio extends beyond Nolan's films, these collaborations have become some of his most prominent work.
Sean Avery's Character in 'The Odyssey'
Indeed, Sean Avery is part of 'The Odyssey,' and his role is more substantial than mere cameo appearances. He portrays Laodamas, one of the soldiers in Odysseus's army striving to return to Ithaca. This casting was highlighted by Front Office Sports, noting Avery's involvement among Odysseus's warriors.
Avery's scenes in the film place him alongside Matt Damon, Himesh Patel, and other cast members as Trojan War soldiers. Two particularly notable moments include the confrontation with the Cyclops, where Avery delivers a line, and the encounter with Circe on the island of Aeaea.
Avery's Path to Acting
Avery's initial foray into acting occurred in 2005 with a role as Bob Dill in 'The Rocket,' a biopic about NHL legend Maurice Richard. That film featured several hockey players in its cast. Following retirement, his first acting job came in 2016 with 'Patriot Day,' where he played a police officer. This experience sparked his dedication to acting as a post-hockey career.
Reflecting on his journey, Avery told The Athletic's Peter Baugh, 'It took me five years in New York of just going to classes and figuring out how to do it. Learning how to memorize. Understanding what the whole thing was.' He leveraged connections from 'Dancing with the Stars' to secure a minor role in Nolan's 'Tenet,' which then opened doors to larger parts in subsequent Nolan projects.
Avery attributes his athlete mentality to Nolan's continued interest, stating, 'I think Chris just likes people that show up to work ready to go and have a mindset where they understand that the stakes are high. So like all great coaches, I guess (directors) kind of identify talent and know who they need in certain situations. Maybe I've fallen under that category with Chris.'
Avery's Nolan Filmography
Beyond 'The Odyssey,' Avery has appeared in 12 films and several TV shows, including 'Amsterdam,' 'Happy Gilmore 2,' and 'The Wilderness.' However, his Nolan collaborations have defined his acting career. In 'Tenet' (2020), he was credited as 'Red Soldier 1' with a brief scene and a line. In 'Oppenheimer' (2023), he played 'Weatherman' during the Trinity test sequence, a cameo that amused fans who spotted him. In 'The Odyssey,' his role as Laodamas offers more screen time and dialogue, showcasing his growth under Nolan's direction.
Originally reported by sportingnews.