From Scheherazade to TikTok “storytimes,” we’ve always been enraptured by a great tale. The Odyssey has captivated us for millennia, and this summer, director Christopher Nolan is bringing the saga to the big screen. So, we decided, who better to cover ELLE’s first-ever Epic issue—dedicated to the power of storytelling—than the four female stars of the film?
Photographer Norman Jean Roy delivered arresting images worthy of these powerful women. This truly epic shoot, styled by Law Roach, took place over two days in Los Angeles this spring. I must also mention ELLE’s exceptional visuals director, Cary Georges (who was tasked with finding one studio over Grammy weekend and another that allowed pyrotechnics!), set design by Marla Weinhoff at 11th House Agency, and production by Alexey Galetskiy Productions.
I’m grateful but not surprised that these covers have resonated, as the women embody their characters and the elements perfectly: Anne Hathaway’s graceful Water, Zendaya’s grounded Earth, Lupita Nyong’o’s dazzling Fire, and Charlize Theron’s transcendent Air. Read each of their newsmaking interviews below, plus get an exclusive first look at their characters from the upcoming film. (By the way, if you are craving a print copy of these covers, our Summer issue hits newsstands on June 2—or subscribe here for the magazine and full access to ELLE.com).
—Nina Garcia, editor-in-chief
