The Odyssey may have contained several stunning shots captured by Christopher Nolan on IMAX, but fans are mourning one that is missing. A moment from the movie's first trailer shows the Trojan horse on the sands of Troy's shore as it's dragged by soldiers out of the sea.
This scene does take place in the final film, but the image of a lone soldier watching on as the sun sets on the sea is not. Given it was in the early trailer, it must have been a late cut in the editing room. Check it out below.
Sharing the moment on Reddit, one fan noticed its absence, writing: "I remembered seeing the trailer and this shot in particular really drew me in. I was so impressed with the lighting and composition. And I love horses so that too. Any idea why it was cut?"
Several fans of the film responded, theorising on why it might have been removed. "Its less tactile and more painterly, doesn't fit the look of the movie," suggested one, while a second added: "The movie didn't need it, so it was cut."
The likely answer comes from Nolan needing to make sure his final cut of the film had to be under three hours. This is because if the film was longer than this, it would require an entire rebuild of the IMAX projection system.
Speaking to Letterboxd, Nolan revealed this meant he told his editor Jennifer Lame to be strict in the cutting room. He explained: "If it doesn’t serve the story, it has to go. It’s not about the camera you use. It’s not about the format you shoot on. It’s really about what story you’re telling."
The Odyssey is out in theaters now. Read our The Odyssey review as well as our breakdown of The Odyssey ending explained for more.
