Christopher Nolan has shared his own connection to a big part in The Odyssey that impacted his choice to direct it.

Nolan’s movies and career thus far have been on a steady, rising path. His first feature film, a thriller called Following (1998), shot on a self-funded budget of $6,000. His latest collosal epic, The Odyssey, which is currently in theaters, started with a $250 million budget. Although The Odyssey is being praised for its scale, commitment to on-location filming and real-life crowds, and the giant cinematic experience that it provides, the film still manages to capture several smaller, more intimate moments as well.

One of those moments is the reunion between Odysseus (Matt Damon) and his dog Argos, “his loyal hunting dog.” In a recent interview with BBC Radio 1, Nolan discusses becoming a recent dog owner, and how impactful it was towards his decision to direct The Odyssey. Nolan said, “As a new dog owner, and I did not grow up with dogs, and when my kids were little, despite all their heartfelt pleas, we never got a dog till they all left for college, which they’re a bit angry about. Finally got a dog. And yeah, it changes your life. And I got to the bit with Argos and it just – just killed me. And I think it was honestly a major reason that I knew I had to make the film.”

In Homer’s ancient story and Nolan’s film, The Odyssey, the reunion between Odysseus and his dog is recognized as a powerful moment. After Odysseus spends 10 years fighting the Trojan War and another 10 returning home, he returns to Ithaca, disguises himself, and he is instantly recognized by his now much older dog Argos. Argos is shown briefly in the second trailer, as a much younger puppy.

This touching moment, although quick, highlights major themes in the story, including loyalty to loved ones, perseverance and trust, and the strength to believe that better days are coming. In an interview with The Guardian, Nolan describes his own experience with having a dog, and how The Odyssey is, “the ultimate dog movie,” adding that, “it really is a very important part of that story.” Additionally, in an interview with Stephen Colbert, he called The Odyssey, “the ultimate dog story.”

Currently, Nolan and his wife/producing partner, Emma Thomas, have a Labrador named Charlie. Nolan has expressed in many interviews that being a dog parent gave him a new appreciation for the bond between humans and dogs. His connection with his own dog and his own story most likely influenced the emotional story and way in which it was told in The Odyssey, in the form of flashbacks and in a brief but important way.

Although The Odyssey faces some criticism for the way it portrays the overall story and its casting, it remains one of the biggest movies of the year, and it currently holds a 95% critic score and a 97% score among audiences. Besides directing this “stunning achievement,” as ScreenRant‘s Alex Harrison calls it, Nolan also wrote the screenplay, again offering insights into what role Argos could truly have played.

Christopher Nolan‘s The Odyssey is now available in theaters everywhere.

Release Date

July 15, 2026

Runtime

173 minutes