Cillian Murphy Admits to Having “ROMO” While Speaking on Missing Out in Christopher Nolan’s ‘The Odyssey’

For years, audiences have spotted Cillian Murphy woven like a secret thread through the tapestry of Christopher Nolan’s films, from chilling cameos to commanding performances. His long journey with the director reached its grand crescendo in Oppenheimer, a role that secured his legacy in cinema. Nolan himself has become a legend of spectacle, crafting epics that blend intellectual rigor with breathtaking scale. His next venture, The Odyssey, promises to surpass all expectations. Yet, to everyone’s surprise, Murphy is absent from Nolan’s upcoming film Odyssey.

Cillian Murphy, a near-constant presence in Christopher Nolan’s cinematic universe, finally breaks silence on his absence from the Odyssey, revealing his take on missing out in the director’s grandest vision yet.

Cillian Murphy reflects on missing Christopher Nolan’s latest epic

Speaking to Variety at the Toronto International Film Festival, Cillian Murphy offered a lighthearted take on being left out of Christopher Nolan’s upcoming epic Odyssey. After years of frequent collaborations with the director, fans expected his return, but Murphy admitted that instead of regret, he actually feels a sense of relief. With trademark wit, he even coined the phrase, saying, “I have ROMO: ‘Relief of missing out.’ No, I can’t wait to see it.” Still, Murphy praised Nolan’s unmatched artistry and shared his excitement to see the ambitious project come alive on the big screen.

Cillian Murphy’s absence from Odyssey feels unusual given his history with Christopher Nolan, yet it highlights the depth of their shared legacy. Their creative partnership began when Nolan cast him as Scarecrow in Batman Begins, launching a series of unforgettable collaborations, from Inception to Oppenheimer. Despite not appearing in this latest epic, Murphy continues to champion Nolan’s brilliance, making it clear he is as eager as any fan to experience the director’s boldest vision yet. Adding to the buzz, Murphy also unveiled his dramatic new look at the event.

Cillian Murphy stunned fans at the Toronto Film Festival, debuting a bold new hairstyle on the red carpet for the world premiere of Steve, sparking instant buzz.

Cillian Murphy shows off a fresh hairstyle at the Toronto Film Festival

At the Toronto International Film Festival, Cillian Murphy commanded attention with a fresh appearance while promoting his latest film Steve. The Oppenheimer^[1] star, now portraying a weary schoolteacher in the Netflix drama, revealed longer curly hair that contrasted strikingly with his polished attire of a tailored blazer, crisp shirt, and sharp trousers. Greeting fans with smiles and posing for countless photos, Murphy radiated charisma on the red carpet. His stylish debut followed the recent trailer release showcasing his gritty, emotionally charged performance.

Cillian Murphy, who recently received his fifth Best Actor award, is set to return to screens with Steve, a moving adaptation of Max Porter’s bestselling novel Shy. The film, set in the mid-1990s, follows Murphy as a devoted but exhausted teacher whose path crosses with Shy, a troubled teen played by Heartstopper star Jay Lycurgo. Scheduled for a limited release on September 19, 2025, Murphy proves he knows how to stay in the limelight, whether through his striking looks or by addressing his absence from major films.^[2][3]

What do you think about Cillian Murphy’s remark on being absent from Christopher Nolan’s  Odyssey? Let us know in the comments below.