Cillian Murphy is opening up about missing Christopher Nolan’s new film, The Odyssey. Despite previously working on several Nolan projects, the 49-year-old actor will not appear this time around. Murphy revealed his playful sense of regret—what he dubs “ROMO”—during the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival.
Cillian Murphy Says He Has ‘ROMO’ Over Not Being In Christopher Nolan’s Upcoming ‘The Odyssey’ Movie

Key Takeaways:
- Cillian Murphy expressed regret, calling it “ROMO,” for missing The Odyssey.
- Director Christopher Nolan is adapting The Odyssey into a new film.
- Murphy has collaborated with Nolan on multiple occasions.
- The actor attended the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival for his movie Steve.
- The story was originally published on 2025-09-07 04:58:40.
Introduction
Cillian Murphy, a 49-year-old actor celebrated for his performances in Christopher Nolan’s films, is speaking out about not being part of Nolan’s upcoming project, The Odyssey. Over the years, Murphy and Nolan have built a fruitful partnership, but the actor confirmed he would be absent from the new ensemble cast.
Murphy’s History with Nolan
Murphy and Nolan have worked together on several notable projects. Their collaborations earned significant acclaim, highlighting Murphy’s range and Nolan’s unique directorial style. Fans quickly grew accustomed to seeing Murphy in Nolan’s films, making his absence from The Odyssey all the more noticeable.
Missing ‘The Odyssey’
When asked about his decision not to join the star-studded cast, Murphy lightheartedly described his feeling as “ROMO.” While the specifics behind his choice remain unrevealed, his statement made it clear he holds no resentment—just a tinge of comedic regret about missing out on what might become another cinematic event under Nolan’s direction.
Toronto International Film Festival Appearance
Murphy shared his reflections during the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival, where he was promoting his own new film, Steve. Although he is “sitting this one out,” Murphy’s presence drew considerable attention, as attendees were eager to hear why he opted not to reunite with Nolan this time.
Looking Ahead
Though Cillian Murphy will not be involved with The Odyssey, it has not dampened his respect for Christopher Nolan’s craft. The announcement sparked anticipation for Nolan’s next venture—even more so with the revelation that one of his frequent collaborators would be absent. For Murphy, “ROMO” seems to be a mixture of genuine fondness for their history together and a willingness to stand aside for this particular project.