Anne Hathaway Discusses Her Role as Penelope in Christopher Nolan’s ‘The Odyssey’

Anne Hathaway is sharing insights about her portrayal of Penelope in Christopher Nolan’s highly anticipated epic ‘The Odyssey’. She emphasizes that the legendary queen of Ithaca is far more than just a figure waiting for her husband’s return.

In Nolan’s adaptation of Homer’s renowned tale, Hathaway embodies Penelope, the wife of Odysseus, played by Matt Damon. While Odysseus encounters monsters and perilous foes on his long journey home after the Trojan War, Penelope faces her own challenges. Back in Ithaca, she must defend her home and throne from those who wish to seize power, including Robert Pattinson’s character, Antinous.

In a conversation with Empire, Hathaway expressed her desire to portray Penelope as a strong and proactive character rather than someone passively waiting for Odysseus to return.

“There’s a way to think about her that she is just kind of passively, quietly waiting,” Hathaway told Empire. “But I didn’t see her like that. I saw her as this incredible, active, ride-or-die partner.”

The actress noted that Penelope’s love for Odysseus is central to understanding her character. For Hathaway, the queen’s loyalty stems not from obligation but from a profound personal bond.

“I wanted her to have a sense of danger to her. That she’s not doing this out of a sense of duty — she genuinely loves [Odysseus] with her whole fiery soul,” she explained.

One of Penelope’s most iconic moments in Homer’s original narrative is her clever strategy to postpone selecting a new husband. Faced with pressure from numerous suitors, she tells them she must first complete weaving a burial cloth. Each night, however, she secretly unravels her work, allowing her to buy more time while awaiting Odysseus’s return.

To bring this scene to life, Hathaway had to learn the ancient skill of weaving. Although she admitted she wasn’t naturally adept at it, she enjoyed the learning process for the film.

“I’m not known for my craft work,” Hathaway joked while discussing her experience with the technique. She practiced on a small loom before transitioning to the larger one designed for the production.

“We practiced on a makeshift loom. And then I got some time to practice on the big one that was on set. It was lovely,” she noted. “There’s something so rhythmic about it.”

By the time filming commenced, Hathaway felt comfortable with the craft, discovering that minor mistakes actually enhanced her performance.

“I was like, ‘Well, I guess she does unpick it every night, so it doesn’t have to be perfect,’” she added.

Directed by Christopher Nolan, ‘The Odyssey’ boasts an impressive cast that includes Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway, Tom Holland, Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, and many others. The film adapts one of the oldest and most influential stories in history, blending myth, adventure, and personal drama.

While audiences can expect grand battles and mythical creatures, Hathaway’s remarks indicate that Penelope’s emotional journey will be just as significant as Odysseus’s perilous voyage.

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