Cillian Murphy has worked with Christopher Nolan for years, in fact some fans say the Irish actor has become Nolan’s muse. Together they created unforgettable moments in Batman Begins, Inception, and Oppenheimer. So naturally, when Nolan announced his new project The Odyssey, people thought Murphy would be there too. But this time he isn’t. And when asked if he felt FOMO, that familiar Fear of Missing Out, he answered in a way that caught everyone off guard. Instead of sadness or jealousy, he laughed and said he had ROMO, Relief of Missing Out. That short answer ended up saying a lot about him, and also about the way he views fame and work.
Nolan and Murphy’s Long History
The partnership between Murphy and Nolan has shaped both of their careers. Back in 2005, Murphy stepped into the role of Scarecrow in Batman Begins, a performance that was chilling and strange enough to stay with fans long after the credits rolled. He came back again for The Dark Knight trilogy, took part in the thought-provoking film Inception, and stood among the soldiers in Dunkirk. Then came Oppenheimer, where Murphy carried the whole film and collected an Oscar for it.
Because of that long list, most expected to see his name once more in The Odyssey. But Nolan had other plans, handing the lead role of Odysseus to Matt Damon. Around him, Nolan built a cast with Zendaya, Tom Holland, Robert Pattinson, and Anne Hathaway. It’s a big, glittering cast that mixes well-known actors with fresh stars. This time, Murphy won’t be making an appearance, and he seems perfectly fine with that.
What Makes The Odyssey Special
Christopher Nolan does not make small movies. His version of The Odyssey is already shaping up to be another event film. The story, of course, is ancient: Odysseus fighting to return home after the Trojan War. But Nolan’s version promises to look unlike any version before it. He’s shooting entirely in IMAX, which means the landscapes, the storms, and the battles will likely swallow audiences whole. It’s set to release in July 2026, and for many film fans that date is now circled on calendars.
From FOMO to ROMO
When Cillian Murphy was asked in an interview with Variety about missing out on The Odyssey, people expected a polite dodge or maybe a small confession of regret. Instead, he leaned into humor. “It’s not FOMO, it’s ROMO,” he said, Relief of Missing Out. The joke landed, but also made sense.
Murphy admitted that sometimes seeing himself on screen keeps him from disappearing into the movie. This time, he can sit in the audience with everyone else, no self-consciousness or distractions. For an actor who never seemed comfortable with the loudest parts of celebrity life, it sounded true.
Why It Resonated With People
The phrase caught fire online. In a world obsessed with being everywhere and doing everything, Relief of Missing Out feels like a breath of fresh air. People shared it, laughed at it, but also nodded in agreement. After all, who hasn’t felt the quiet joy of skipping a crowded event or turning down an exhausting commitment? Murphy gave that feeling a name.
Fans also pointed out that his personality makes the comment believable. He has always been private, avoiding social media, rarely giving flashy interviews. He comes across as grounded, almost shy. So when he says he’s relieved to miss a big Hollywood spectacle, it does not sound like false modesty. It sounds like him being himself.
What Else Cillian Murphy Is Busy With
Part of the reason Murphy can shrug off The Odyssey is that he is not short of work. He is leading Steve, a film already earning talk at festivals. He is also returning as Tommy Shelby in the Peaky Blinders movie, something longtime fans have begged for since the show ended. On top of that, he’s tied to 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, which will drag him back into the eerie world of the franchise that gave him his first taste of fame.
With all of this lined up, it’s clear he doesn’t need to cling to Nolan’s projects to keep momentum. Instead, he’s choosing variety, stepping into different genres and letting other actors carry Nolan’s torch this time.
Nolan’s New Ensemble
Even without Cillian Murphy, Nolan’s cast is a powerhouse. Matt Damon as Odysseus. Then Zendaya and Tom Holland bring in younger fans, giving the movie a cross-generational pull. Robert Pattinson and Anne Hathaway, both familiar with Nolan’s work, round out the crew. It’s a mix that shows Nolan’s ability to expand beyond his usual circle while still relying on trusted talent. Murphy missing from the lineup feels less like a loss and more like Nolan creating something different and unique.
The Meaning Beneath the Joke
Murphy’s ROMO quip was funny, but it carried weight. It highlighted his comfort with stepping back and not chasing every opportunity. Unlike many stars, he does not seem desperate for constant validation. Winning an Oscar for Oppenheimer gave him room to breathe. He can now choose roles that interest him, or even sit things out, without worrying about his place in Hollywood.
That outlook is rare in an industry built on competition. It explains why his response touched so many. Relief of Missing Out is not just a punchline, it’s says, sometimes joy comes from saying no.
Fans, Media, and the Aftermath
After Murphy’s interview, media outlets picked up the term quickly. Fans spun it into memes, posting about skipping weddings, dodging social events, or deleting apps, all under the banner of ROMO. The phrase escaped film news and entered daily life.
At the same time, Murphy made it clear he still supports Nolan. He called him “one in a million” and said he’s eager to see The Odyssey on the big screen. That loyalty matters. It shows that even though he is not in the cast, the partnership between Nolan and Murphy is intact, built on respect rather than obligation.
Final Thoughts
Cillian Murphy gave a simple answer that turned into something bigger. By swapping FOMO for ROMO, he flipped a cultural obsession on its head. His words captured his own private nature, his trust in Christopher Nolan, and his willingness to enjoy a story from the outside.
As Nolan’s grand film moves toward its 2026 release, Murphy’s own career is alive with films and projects that fans cannot wait to see. Together, their paths show a truth that you don’t always need to be in the middle of the action. Sometimes watching from the sidelines, free from pressure, is the sweetest role of all.
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