Christopher Nolan has spoken about his latest film, an adaptation of Homer's Odyssey, on the eve of its world premiere, describing the anxiety of awaiting the audience's verdict despite fresh off a sweep of seven Oscars for Oppenheimer. The interview, conducted in London, finds Nolan notably more relaxed than usual, a shift he partly attributes to the relief of finishing the epic and to a new addition to his household: a chocolate labrador puppy named Charlie.

The Odyssey, reportedly costing around $250m (£185m), was shot over six months across six countries and represents the biggest financial gamble of Nolan's career, needing global audiences to turn out in force. Nolan explained that he and his wife, producer Emma Thomas, got the dog after their four children left home, and drew a connection to the film's story, in which Odysseus is recognised on his return to Ithaca by his elderly dog Argos, a moment echoed by a young version of the dog appearing in the film's trailer. He also reflected on the emotional weight of receiving his best director Oscar from Steven Spielberg, saying he "collapsed in his arms like a runner crossing the finish line".