Christopher Nolan Still Works Without a Cell Phone, Matt Damon Reveals

Christopher Nolan may be one of Hollywood's biggest directors, but he still does not use a cell phone, text messages, or email.

In a new interview with PEOPLE, Matt Damon shared how Nolan contacted him about starring in The Odyssey. Damon said Nolan's wife and producing partner, Emma Thomas, first sent him a text asking if he was available for a call. Since Nolan has no phone, he called later from a landline at Universal Studios, using a different number each time.

Damon said he thought the call was simply to catch up after the success of Oppenheimer. Instead, Nolan surprised him by saying he was ready to begin work on The Odyssey, much sooner than Damon expected.

Nolan also explained that he does not write roles with specific actors in mind. He prefers to develop the characters first and only think about casting after the script is complete, believing this gives the characters more freedom to develop.

The Odyssey reunites Nolan with Damon and Anne Hathaway, who have both worked with him before. The film also stars Tom Holland, Robert Pattinson, Zendaya, Charlize Theron, Lupita Nyong'o, Elliot Page, and Samantha Morton.

The Odyssey opened in theaters on July 17.