In a remarkable reunion, Anne Hathaway collaborates once more with the acclaimed director Christopher Nolan in his adaptation of Homer’s timeless epic, The Odyssey. This marks their third partnership, following her appearances in The Dark Knight Rises (2012) and Interstellar (2014). The film is distinguished by its focus on the themes of love and longing, and Hathaway portrays the significant character of Penelope, opposite Matt Damon, who plays Odysseus.
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Reflecting on her experiences working with Nolan over the years during a press engagement, Hathaway expressed her excitement at the prospect of returning to his filmmaking process. “One of my things that I was so happy to discover is that Chris is a remarkably consistent human being,” she stated, highlighting not only the depth of his filmography across various genres but also his unwavering commitment to his crew. This hallmark quality of Nolan, she noted, has remained unchanged throughout their time apart.
However, Hathaway was quick to acknowledge her own evolution throughout the years. “I think that I was different,” she conceded, recalling her early career stages when they first collaborated. The years that followed showcased not just Nolan’s projects, such as Dunkirk, Tenet, and Oppenheimer—which achieved significant acclaim including seven Oscars—but also Hathaway’s growth as an artist.
Despite the time gap between their collaborations, Hathaway asserted that her yearning to return to Nolan’s sets intensified her passion for her role as Penelope. “My longing to be back on one of Chris’ sets really fuelled my passion as Penelope,” she remarked, adding that while she had been fortunate to work on other high-quality productions, there truly is nothing comparable to the experience of working with Nolan. “It does feel a bit like a homecoming,” she said, underscoring the unique environment Nolan creates.
Nolan himself shared the sentiment of familiarity and enthusiasm at Hathaway’s return to his filmmaking ensemble. “I’m just thrilled that these guys all agreed to come on board,” he noted, expressing his appreciation for the collective effort of the cast as they worked on this ambitious project.
Hathaway also revealed her personal excitement when first learning about Nolan’s intention to adapt The Odyssey, a mythological subject close to her heart since her school days. “When Chris told me that we were doing The Odyssey, I actually had to stand up, walk around for a second and said, ‘I’m going to need a second,’” she recollected, illustrating the impact of the announcement on her.
In exploring the relationship between Penelope and Odysseus, Hathaway found the couple’s connection to be a relevant and poignant theme. “They actually had a love match, which is just about the rarest thing in this world—and that world,” she explained, commenting on how their profound bond amplified the poignancy of their prolonged separation throughout the narrative.
To immerse herself fully in the role, Hathaway envisioned Penelope as someone deeply devoted to her partner, yearning for his return. “She just missed her person,” Hathaway reflected, noting that Penelope’s longing and desire to express her authentic self in front of Odysseus formed the emotional impetus of her performance.
The collaboration on The Odyssey also fostered a strong sense of community among the cast and crew, which Hathaway cherished. She highlighted the excellence of the team, from costume design to technical contributions, as vital to the overall experience. “It was such a joy to be a part of a chain that was that strong,” she expressed, reflecting on the collaborative nature that made the production fulfilling.
The Odyssey is set to hit cinemas on July 17, and Hathaway’s enthusiasm for her role and the project underscores a significant chapter in her career. Those keen to learn more about The Odyssey can catch further insights in this week’s issue of PEOPLE, available from Friday.