Odyssey star’s partner recreates premiere after actor wasn’t invited to official screening
Not every actor who appeared in The Odyssey got to walk the red carpet but that didn't stop one loving fiancé from recreating the experience for her partner.
Christopher Nolan's latest blockbuster hit has a massive cast full of A-list names, so much so that not everyone was able to attend the film's premiere.
Like an unruly suitor taking over Penelope's home, Lloyd Ejimbe wasn't invited to The Odyssey's glamorous premiere event, despite appearing in the movie.
The towering British actor, who stands at 6'11", played one of the giant Laestrygonians, featuring in one of the film's most brutal action scenes.
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Despite the snub, his partner, Nneka Banks, created a premiere experience all for him so he could still get a taste of being a Hollywood superstar.
A giant's personal premiere
Banks documented the surprise on an Instagram reel series as they went to the 02 in London to watch the film.
Before taking their seats, Banks revealed some custom made premiere passes featuring their QR code tickets and pictures of Ejimbe in character and behind the scenes.
"More opportunities to come," was written on the other side.
She said in the clip: "The Odyssey people, they didn't invite us to the Premier, so we're going to make our own premiere for the day!"
Ejimbe was delighted with the surprise, thanking his partner in a tender moment.
"This is our special moment," Banks said. "You're on the big screen, we're going to watch it. I wanted to watch it at the premiere, this is our own premiere."
As they scanned their custom-made tickets, the ticket inspector couldn't hide her delight, saying: "That's so cute."
Speaking to LADbible, Nneka explained they never felt entitled to a premiere invitation and nor were they disappointed they weren't there.
She said: "We completely understand how the industry works, especially on productions of this scale, and Lloyd was incredibly grateful just to have had the opportunity to be part of such an amazing film."
What happened when The Odyssey finished
After the film, Banks had one more surprise as she announced to the packed screening that they had just watched the film alongside one of its actors.
"Excuse me everyone, he was one of the giants in the movie!" Banks said, pointing to her partner, and then encouraging him to stand up and 'get his flowers,' as the crowd cheered and applauded.
Sheepishly but smiling, Ejimbe stood and waved to the cinema-goers and posed for pictures afterwards in front of marketing material for the film as Banks thanked them for making the day so special.
Nneka told LADbible she was left 'more emotional than expected' when the audience applauded Lloyd, adding: "It turned into such a genuine and memorable moment, and I’m so grateful I was able to give him that experience."
Still beaming afterwards, Banks asked him how he felt and he replied: "Yeah, you've done me dirty. I rate it, though. I appreciate it, I appreciate it!
"Embarrassment like this, a great embarrassment. A good one.
"I won't forget this. I won't forget today. I was not expecting it."
Writing in an Instagram caption, Banks took the time to further praise her partner while thanking Nolan for giving him an opportunity.
"Congratulations @lloyd.ejimbe on being part of The Odyssey," she wrote. "Every giant journey starts with one step… and apparently one determined fiancée who refuses to let any achievement go unnoticed.
"Thank you, Christopher Nolan and everyone who gave Lloyd the opportunity to be part of such an incredible production. Watching it in 4DX took the film to another level!
"Here's to many more films, many more premieres (official ones next time 😉), and celebrating every single win along the way. God is just getting started."
LADbible Group has approached Universal Pictures for comment.
The Odyssey has a massive cast
The Odyssey boasts a cast of some of the biggest names in Hollywood right now in its ensemble.
Led by Matt Damon as the titular Odysseus, it also features stars like Anne Hathaway, Tom Holland, Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, Charlize Theron, John Bernthal, Benny Safdie and Elliot Page, among many, many more.
It takes a huge number of people to bring a film so epic in scope to life and IMDb lists 75 actors in its sprawling cast. Not to mention the thousands of people who contributed off screen.
In productions involving so many people, not every performer or crew member is able to attend premiere events.
The Odyssey has taken the movie world by storm since its release on 17 July and is still dominating conversation weeks later.
Topics: Film, TV and Film, Christopher Nolan, Celebrity
Daniel Murphy