Director Christopher Nolan's decision to include Mumbai in the international promotional tour for The Odyssey became a major talking point as the filmmaker arrived in the city alongside producer Emma Thomas and actors Matt Damon and Tom Holland. Speaking at a press conference on Saturday, Nolan explained why India was an essential stop on the film's global promotional campaign.
Nolan said the visit had been planned for years and was far from a last-minute addition. Recalling his first trip to Mumbai, he said he had visited the city several years ago at the invitation of his friend Shivendra to attend a conference on the future of cinema. The experience, he added, left a lasting impact on him.
"I met a lot of filmmakers and really got to know a little bit about the film culture here," Nolan said.
He also praised Indian audiences for their deep appreciation of cinema, describing their passion for films as unlike anything he had encountered elsewhere.
"I've never been anywhere in the world with an appreciation of what movies can be and what they should be for audiences. To me, it seemed crazy that we wouldn't be bringing our films here to Mumbai for Mumbai audiences," the The Odyssey director said, adding that it was "an absolute thrill" to finally make it happen.
Nolan revealed that this was not the first time he had planned to promote one of his films in India. He said he had intended to visit Mumbai during the release of Tenet, parts of which were filmed in the city, but those plans were cancelled because of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to Nolan, the current visit finally fulfilled a long-standing plan to bring one of his film promotions to Mumbai.
The Odyssey boasts an ensemble cast that includes Anne Hathaway, Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong'o, Charlize Theron, Jon Bernthal, Benny Safdie, John Leguizamo, Elliot Page, Himesh Patel, Bill Irwin, Samantha Morton, Jesse Garcia, Will Yun Lee, Rafi Gavron, Shiloh Fernandez, and Mia Goth, alongside Matt Damon and Tom Holland.
Based on Homer's classic epic poem, The Odyssey is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on July 17, 2026.
