Cillian Murphy Says He Has “ROMO” About Skipping Nolan’s ‘The Odyssey’
Cillian Murphy has appeared in so many Christopher Nolan films that his absence from the director’s newest project is a surprise. But the Irish actor is taking it lightly. Speaking with AV Club, Murphy joked about being left out of The Odyssey.
“I have ROMO: relief of missing out,” he said. “No, I can’t wait to see it. If any director in the world could tackle The Odyssey, it’s going to be Christopher Nolan.”
Cillian Murphy on #TheOdyssey being the rare Christopher Nolan movie he is not starring in:
— Variety (@Variety) September 6, 2025
"I have ROMO: 'Relief of missing out.' No, I can't wait to see it. If any director in the world could tackle 'The Odyssey,' it's going to be Christopher Nolan."
Variety #TIFF Studio pic.twitter.com/mcW6qII3f9
Nolan’s next movie is a massive retelling of Homer’s ancient Greek story. The film will follow Odysseus, the king of Ithaca, as he tries to return home after the Trojan War. His journey will bring him face-to-face with mythical figures like the Cyclops, the Sirens, and the goddess Circe.
Matt Damon is playing Odysseus, while Tom Holland has been cast as his son, Telemachus. The lineup also includes Anne Hathaway, Zendaya, Lupita Nyong’o, Robert Pattinson, Charlize Theron, and Jon Bernthal, among others. Theron is taking on the role of Circe.
Work on the film started after the huge success of Oppenheimer. Nolan wrote the script in 2024, and filming ran through much of 2025 in places like Greece, Morocco, Italy, and Iceland. With an estimated budget of $250 million, it is being called the biggest production of his career. It is also the first blockbuster to be filmed entirely using 70mm IMAX cameras.
Universal Pictures will release The Odyssey on July 17, 2026.
A first photo of Damon in costume was shared earlier this year, sparking debate about whether the look matched the armor described in Homer’s writings.
Still, Nolan has brought back trusted collaborators, such as costume designer Ellen Mirojnick and composer Ludwig Göransson, who worked with him on Oppenheimer.
Murphy, meanwhile, is content to be a spectator this time, even though fans are used to seeing him in nearly every Nolan project. His words suggest that, while he won’t be on screen, he’s just as eager as audiences to see how the story unfolds.
Murphy’s comment shows the kind of trust and respect he has for Nolan. After Oppenheimer, expectations for The Odyssey are sky-high, and the cast alone makes it one of the biggest movies of the decade.
Personally, I think it’s refreshing to see Nolan try something so bold. What about you, are you excited for this film, and do you think Damon is the right choice to play Odysseus? Share your thoughts in the comments.
