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In a rare departure from his usual spot in Christopher Nolan's ensemble, actor Cillian Murphy has confirmed he won't be appearing in the acclaimed director's upcoming mythological epic, 'The Odyssey.' During a recent event, Murphy, who is well-known for his powerful performances in Nolan's biggest hits, most notably as J. Robert Oppenheimer, revealed that although he is not working on this new movie, he is excitedly awaiting its release.
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In a lighthearted gesture to how much he believes in Nolan's most recent film vision, he even casually acknowledged that he suffers from "ROMO," or the "relief of missing out."
A Surprising Absence from a Legendary Collaboration
Given his lengthy working relationship with Nolan, which includes 'Batman Begins,' 'Inception,' 'Dunkirk,' and most recently, 'Oppenheimer,' for which Murphy won an Academy Award for Best Actor, fans were taken aback by Murphy's declaration. Murphy revealed that he will not be appearing in 'The Odyssey,' despite their legendary creative past, which may indicate a new stage for both artists. But there is no reason for the absence—Murphy was unambiguous in his praise of Nolan and his sincere want to watch the project come to life on screen. He remarked, "I have ROMO, and I can't wait to see it, I'm sorry I missed it."
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Despite being humorous, his remark demonstrates how much he still respects and feels a strong connection to Nolan's vision. Additionally, this absence makes room for new actors to enter the director's circle, which has helped establish or advance numerous acting careers over the years.
What to Expect from 'The Odyssey'—And What's Next for Murphy?
Homer's famous epic poem is boldly adapted in Christopher Nolan's 'The Odyssey,' which features the director's trademark fusion of intricate storylines and visual storytelling. The project aims to examine Odysseus' epic odyssey from a human, grounded perspective, most likely fusing Nolan's signature themes of time, memory, and war. Although full casting details remain under wraps, the project is expected to be one of Nolan's most ambitious undertakings to date, featuring Tom Holland as one of the lead actor.
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Murphy, meanwhile, keeps up his momentum following 'Oppenheimer.' He is scheduled to feature in the drama "Small Things Like These," the much awaited sequel to '28 Years Later,' Tim Mielants' 'Steve,' and 'The Immortal Man.' His choice to leave 'The Odyssey' implies a conscious attempt to broaden his responsibilities and take on fresh artistic challenges outside of Nolan's world.
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However, as Murphy and Nolan's paths are never too far apart for long, viewers might anticipate that their relationship may resurface in upcoming films.