Samantha Morton shared that earning a role in The Odyssey restored her belief she could sustain an acting career as she grows older.

During Monday's Happy Sad Confused podcast, Morton discussed the strong box office performance of The Odyssey, where she portrays the sorceress Circe.

The Christopher Nolan film has earned 912 million dollars globally since opening on July 17, according to Box Office Mojo.

Hope and faith, Morton replied when asked about the film's impact. That if you persist, deliver strong performances, and connect with the right collaborators, you might continue working.

The two-time Oscar nominee noted she has faced stretches without projects.

I have not worked for a year since completing The Odyssey, Morton said.

Despite strong representation, she explained that aging has heightened her awareness of the instability in acting.

But ultimately I am 49, and while I know I am capable, many other skilled performers exist, she said.

Now more assured she will keep acting, Morton remains thankful for the opportunity to collaborate with Nolan.

I have partnered with remarkable talents, yet actors remain dependent on employers and their vision, she said.

She revealed she genuinely cried after her representatives informed her that Nolan wanted to meet.

In a pivotal scene, Morton's Circe turns Odysseus's crew into pigs using only practical effects with no digital enhancement.

On the podcast she noted her past experience assisting a magician deepened her appreciation for the sequence and its craft.

Life and art intersect in strange ways, and what is meant for you will find you, Morton said.

In a July Variety interview she observed that prominent film parts grow scarce for actresses over time.

As you age in this profession such opportunities become rare, Morton said. I stay busy but mostly in smaller films or television.

Morton joins other performers who have addressed how age affects roles.

In 2024 Kirsten Dunst described pausing work after repeated casting as a sad mother.

There are fewer strong parts for women my age, Dunst said.

In 2025 White Lotus actress Carrie Coon noted frequent typecasting as older characters.

People see me as verbal and intellectual with a lower voice and no Botox, so I often play beyond my years, she said.