Why Cillian Murphy felt relief, not regret, at missing Nolan’s The Odyssey
Actor Cillian Murphy says he is ‘relieved’ not to be involved in Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey. He called the absence a gift because it gave him a chance to watch the film as an audience member.
While many actors wanted to take advantage of the opportunity to work with Christopher Nolan odysseyActor Cillian Murphy says he has no regrets about sitting out. The Oscar-winning actor recently revealed that, instead of experiencing FOMO (Fear of Missing Out), he felt what he jokingly called “ROMO” – the relief of missing out.
Speaking during an appearance on the late show In September 2025 with Stephen Colbert, Murphy revealed that he is not a part of odyssey Was actually a “gift”. Collaborated with Nolan on six films including dark knight (2008), dunkirk (2017) and Oscar Winner oppenheimer (2023), the 50-year-old Irish actor said he was completely happy enjoying the filmmaker’s latest epic as an audience member.
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When host Stephen Colbert pointed out that Murphy was not a part of odyssey And recalling his “Romo” comment, the actor elaborated on what he meant. “I think it’s the opposite of FOMO. What I meant to say was that it’s a real gift to go see Chris’ movies and watch them without the horrible burden of having to watch your stupid brain go through them. You know what I mean?”
Nolan’s influence on Murphy’s career
Despite joking that he prefers watching Nolan’s films without seeing himself on screen, Murphy acknowledged the filmmaker’s significant influence on his career. The beginning of their long-standing collaboration Batman Begins (2005), in which he played Dr. Jonathan Crane, better known as the Scarecrow.
He reprized this role dark knight (2008) and the dark Knight Rises (2012). In between, Murphy appeared as Robert Fisher start (2010), before playing the role of Trembling Soldier dunkirk (2017).
The actor’s most famous collaboration with Nolan oppenheimer (2023), where he played physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer. His performance earned him an Academy Award for Best Actor, marking the pinnacle of his creative partnership with the acclaimed filmmaker.
about odyssey
This film, which will be released in theaters on July 17, has emerged as one of the biggest openers of Hollywood in India. According to initial estimates of trade website Saknilk, The Odyssey It earned Rs 20.76 crore on the first day in India, while its net collection stood at Rs 17.40 crore. The film was shown in 8,413 shows across the country and recorded an overall occupancy of 48.7 percent, mainly due to strong demand for premium formats, especially IMAX screenings.
Directed by Christopher Nolan, the mythological epic stars Matt Damon as Odysseus, with Anne Hathaway, Tom Holland, Zendaya and Robert Pattinson in pivotal roles. Adapted from Homer’s classic epic, the film chronicles Odysseus’s arduous decade-long journey to Ithaca after the fall of Troy. The film marks Nolan’s directorial debut following his Oscar-winning success oppenheimer (2023).