rewrite this title Why Christopher Nolan is taking a three-year break after The Odyssey

After years of anticipation, Christopher Nolan‘s The Odyssey is playing in theaters (read our review here). The movie, based on Homer’s timeless Greek myth, is widely regarded as Nolan’s most ambitious film to date. While fans of Nolan’s work are overjoyed to experience the epic after he originally conceived it 20 years ago, there will always be those who want to know when they can expect his next opus. According to Nolan, it will be at least three years before he releases his next film. At the same time, that could feel like an eternity for some; remember, good things come to those who wait.

During an appearance on TODAY, Nolan revealed he’s ‘taking a vacation’ from filmmaking, telling correspondent Kaylee Hartung that now is the perfect time to release a summer blockbuster. “Now, I can get something made that I couldn’t otherwise get made. For me to take on Greek mythology on a big modern cinematic canvas is something that hasn’t been done,” Nolan said.

Nolan on the universal appeal of The Odyssey

Nolan continued discussing The Odyssey, saying he thinks the film has universal appeal. “There’s so much in it for everybody,” he continued. “It’s a love story. It’s a coming-of-age story. It’s a story about war and homecoming. And I think that’s the eternal appeal of ‘The Odyssey.’”

Nolan is going into hibernation

Waiting three years for the next Christopher Nolan film is something cinephiles have grown accustomed to. When asked whether it would be another three years until his next release, Nolan replied, “Oh, at least,” implying the wait could be long if need be.

Nolan then confessed that The Odyssey was challenging to shoot, saying that even the most seasoned actors were surprised by how much hard work it required to make the film. “I definitely hit the limits of my own stamina and everybody’s stamina, I think. I mean, it’s ‘The Odyssey,’ of course it should be difficult,” he noted. “We’re not doing the job right making a film of ‘The Odyssey’ if it doesn’t seem difficult.”

Needing to work for the IMAX experience

I’ve yet to see The Odyssey, but it’s something that I need to experience on the big screen. I’m bummed that we don’t have any decent IMAX theaters in my area. I went to see Marvel’s Thunderbolts* in what passes for an IMAX in my city, and it was like a cruel joke compared to the one in Toronto. I would never waste my money to go back. When I get back from my upcoming work trip, I’ll make a point of going to the IMAX in Toronto to see The Odyssey in all its 70mm glory.

Are you disappointed that Christopher Nolan won’t release another film for at least three years? Are you used to his pattern by now? Let us know in the comments section below.