James Remar on Nolan’s Intense Set & A Busy Slate of Projects
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A veteran of nearly five decades in entertainment, actor James Remar is experiencing a surge in high-profile roles, offering a rare glimpse into the demanding world of filmmaking – particularly when working with director Christopher Nolan.
James Remar, 71, has maintained a remarkably consistent career across film, television, and gaming. Currently appearing as General Francis Shaw in HBO’s “IT: Welcome to Derry,” and with a role in Hulu’s “All’s Fair,” Remar recently completed work on Nolan’s upcoming film, “The Odyssey,” marking their second collaboration following “Oppenheimer.” He also reprised his role as Harry Morgan in “Dexter: Resurrection.”
The “Chair-Gate” Myth & Nolan’s On-Set Presence
Rumors surrounding Nolan’s unconventional directing style have circulated for years, most notably the claim that he banned chairs from his film sets. The speculation, which gained traction during the 2020 pandemic, prompted a statement from a Nolan spokesperson clarifying that while the director personally prefers to stand, chairs were not prohibited for cast and crew.
Remar confirms the director’s preference for remaining upright. “There’s no cell phones on set, and the man never sits down,” Remar shared in a recent interview. “He stands next to the camera for every single shot. He did that in Iceland too. We were on the beach shooting in Iceland; I never saw him sit down once for 12 hours out there. Every single day. It was freezing. Everybody was freezing.” This dedication to constant presence underscores Nolan’s immersive approach to filmmaking.
A Focused & Respectful Set on “The Odyssey”
Despite the star power assembled for “The Odyssey,” Remar describes a remarkably focused and collaborative atmosphere. “It was very collegial, very familiar, very much like a family,” he explained. “Everybody who was there offered everyone else a great deal of respect. It’s a very respectful, well-assembled cast. No silliness to speak of. Everyone was focused on the task at hand, because he comes with a vision, and every brush stroke of his vision is important. There are no hijinks. No fooling around. Nobody’s asleep. Nobody’s drunk. Nobody’s f—–ed up, pardon my language. Everyone was very, very concentrated on being the absolute best they could be.”
This commitment to professionalism, Remar suggests, is a direct result of Nolan’s leadership and the clarity of his artistic vision.
What’s Next for the Prolific Actor
Following the completion of “The Odyssey,” Remar immediately transitioned into a recurring role in “Trinity,” a new eight-part conspiracy thriller series for Netflix created by Jed Mercurio, the mind behind “Line of Duty.” The series, starring Richard Madden, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, and Marcia Gay Harden, is currently finishing production and is slated for release in 2026.
“The Odyssey” is scheduled to premiere in theaters next summer, promising another captivating cinematic experience from one of the industry’s most visionary directors and a testament to Remar’s enduring career.
