Christopher Nolan’s upcoming film The Odyssey is quietly shaping into one of his biggest undertakings yet. Now, word is out that Robert Pattinson is taking on the role of Hermes, the fast-footed Greek god often seen ferrying messages between gods and mortals. The update comes from the Italian magazine Chi, which reports that Pattinson will play the trickster deity known for his sharp tongue, quick mind, and ability to slip between worlds.
Production on The Odyssey kicked off earlier this year, with filming already underway in scenic locations like Sicily, Greece, Morocco, and the UK. The story, of course, draws from Homer’s famous epic, following Odysseus as he attempts to return home after the Trojan War, facing monsters, temptresses, and curses from the gods along the way. Hermes, in mythology, often aids Odysseus during this perilous journey, making Pattinson’s role a key one.
Could Pattinson bring the trickster god Hermes to life in Nolan’s next epic?Getty Images
Only a few cast roles have been officially confirmed so far. Matt Damon will lead as Odysseus, while Tom Holland is widely believed to be playing his son, Telemachus. Set photos suggest Zendaya could be stepping into the role of Athena, goddess of wisdom and war. The cast is stacked with big names: Anne Hathaway, Charlize Theron, Lupita Nyong’o, Jon Bernthal, and John Leguizamo all feature in Nolan’s adaptation.
Other rumours are floating too. Charlize Theron is said to be playing the enchantress Circe. Hathaway may be Odysseus’ long-waiting wife, Penelope. Benny Safdie and Lupita Nyong’o are believed to portray Agamemnon and Clytemnestra, the doomed royal couple from Mycenae.
Tom Holland is believed to play Telemachus, Odysseus’ brave sonReddit
This is also a reunion for Pattinson and Nolan, who last worked together on Tenet. Interestingly, Pattinson also had a quiet influence on Oppenheimer, reportedly gifting Nolan a book that helped inspire the biopic.
Nolan’s take on The Odyssey is reportedly one of his costliest productions yet, with a budget matching that of The Dark Knight Rises at £200 million (₹2,100 crore). The film will be released in IMAX, promising a visually stunning adaptation of the ancient tale.
From Sicily to Morocco, the filmmaker crafts his most ambitious project yet with IMAX-ready visualsReddit
Set for a July 17, 2026 release, The Odyssey is shaping up to be another unique swing from Nolan, bringing together mythology, drama, and big-screen spectacle.
A scene from The Thursday Murder Club, where four retirees turn amateur detectives in a quiet British village shaken by a real murderInstagram/NetflixUK
Stills from Andaz Apna Apna
Stills from Andaz Apna Apna
Vinay Kumar Sinha
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire
Rahul Bhatt sparks controversy over 'insensitive' remarks about sisters Alia and Pooja Bhatt
Rahul Bhatt, fitness trainer and son of veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, has found himself at the centre of a social media storm following controversial remarks about his half-sister, Alia Bhatt. In a recent interview, Rahul drew comparisons between Alia and their older sister Pooja Bhatt, calling the latter more talented, attractive, and principled.
The comments, which many have labelled inappropriate and insensitive, have sparked widespread criticism online. During the interview, Rahul stated, “In my opinion, she (Alia) is not even half of what my real sister Pooja is. Not in talent, not in looks, not in terms of being sexy. In front of my sister, she is ‘paani kam chai’ (watery tea). Amongst the siblings, the most talented and the most moralistic is Pooja.”
Social media users reacted strongly, questioning why Rahul would compare his sisters in such personal terms. Several users were particularly disturbed by his reference to their appearance and sex appeal, pointing out that such comparisons within a family cross boundaries of propriety. One comment read, “This is disturbing. Why talk about your sisters like that? It’s not just weird, it’s wrong.” Another post said, “There’s nothing respectful about comparing your siblings’ attractiveness in public.”
The backlash also reignited conversation around a decades-old controversy involving Mahesh Bhatt and Pooja Bhatt. Rahul was asked about the infamous 1990s magazine cover where the father-daughter duo shared a kiss, which had stirred public outrage at the time. Dismissing the criticism, Rahul said, “It doesn’t make any difference. It’s like water off a duck’s back. We know the truth, and we’ve seen everything since childhood.”
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire, with critics saying it reflects a broader issue of the Bhatt family being insensitive to public perception and boundaries. Many users questioned the need for bringing up old incidents in a bid to defend new and equally questionable statements.
As of now, neither Alia Bhatt nor Pooja Bhatt has issued any public response to Rahul’s remarks. Both actors, known for their significant contributions to Indian cinema, have typically kept family matters private despite living in the public eye.
This episode has also sparked debate over the role of public figures in maintaining respect when discussing family matters in the media. Observers say such comments, especially when involving women’s appearance and personal qualities, reinforce problematic attitudes and fuel unnecessary controversies.
While Rahul Bhatt is not as prominent in the entertainment industry as his father or sisters, his comments have made headlines and placed the Bhatt family in the spotlight for reasons beyond their creative work. For many, this serves as a reminder that public platforms come with responsibility, and that family ties should not be trivialised or dissected for attention or comparison.
The backlash is unlikely to subside soon, especially as fans and followers of Alia and Pooja continue to express disappointment over the way the situation has unfolded. Whether or not Rahul chooses to clarify or apologise remains to be seen.