Motherhood shaped my Penelope: Anne Hathaway on Nolan's 'The Odyssey'

Anne Hathaway found that motherhood deeply informed her performance as Penelope in Christopher Nolan's highly anticipated 2026 film, 'The Odyssey.' The Oscar-winning actress revealed that her experiences as a mother allowed her to connect with the character's fierce protective nature.

"I'm a bit of a mama bear. Nothing gets between my cubs and me," Hathaway said, drawing parallels between her own maternal instincts and Penelope's dedication to safeguarding her son, Telemachus, during Odysseus's long absence. The film, an adaptation of Homer's epic poem, is set to feature a star-studded cast including Tom Holland as Telemachus and Matt Damon as Odysseus.

Hathaway, who is mother to Jonathan, 10, and Jack, 6, with husband Adam Shulman, recently announced she is expecting her third child. She expressed enthusiasm for this new phase, noting the rarity of such career and personal milestones. "I'm at an age and at a point in my career where I know that things like this don't happen very often and, of course, they don't last forever. So I'm going to enjoy this phase while it lasts," she shared.

'The Odyssey' marks Christopher Nolan's thirteenth directorial project. The film is slated for release on July 17, 2026, with expectations high for its potential to garner Oscar nominations.

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I'm a bit of a mama bear. Nothing gets between my cubs and me.