No chairs on 'The Odyssey' set? Matt Damon and Anne Hathaway discuss Christopher Nolan's controversial rule

The cast's dicussion of the acclaimed director's on-set rules, prompted fresh debate over his filmmaking approach

Christopher Nolan’s filmmaking methods have come under renewed scrutiny after cast members from The Odyssey discussed the director’s strict on-set rules, prompting debate among fans over his production practices.

Matt Damon and Anne Hathaway offered an insight into Nolan’s working environment while appearing on the talk show Royal Court with host Brittany Broski.

The actors described what they called the “commandments” of a Nolan production, with Damon saying, “Thou shalt work hard,” while Hathaway added, “Thou shalt not wear Uggs.”

Damon, who portrays Odysseus, said Nolan discourages actors from wearing Ugg boots because they represent a level of leisure the director dislikes.

He also claimed that cast members are not allowed to watch playback or sit on chairs during filming, adding, “Thou shalt not sit down. There are no chairs on set.”

Reports have also suggested Nolan avoids using a chair himself and prohibits phones and water bottles on set. However, similar claims in 2020 were disputed by the director’s spokesperson, who said only phones and smoking were banned.

The discussion prompted mixed reactions on social media. Some users criticised the reported no-chairs policy, arguing that long filming days could affect the wellbeing of cast and crew, while others suggested the practice may not be as rigid as described.

I don't find a director not letting his cast and crew have chairs to sit on during takes and rest, to be an amusing anecdote at all.

It's legitimately ableist and bullish. Filming lasts 14+ hours for crew, and standing that entire time can and will cause chronic pain and injury. https://t.co/U0L7ZsQHu5

— Carolyn Hinds 🇧🇧 #FreePalestine #CongoInCrisis (@CarrieCnh12) July 20, 2026

has anyone ever actually confirmed no chairs on set means "absolutely no one is allowed to sit ever" or is it just "actors aren't allowed to go off into their own private corner while the crew resets the shot" https://t.co/WqmHGebtld

— ali (@alibrooke4ever) July 20, 2026

Matt Damon and Anne Hathaway say Christopher Nolan has no chairs on set

and Robert Pattinson just keeps proving it pic.twitter.com/TSH9ALIUFt

— Pop Buzz (@popbuzzz_) July 20, 2026

Nolan has previously explained his ban on mobile phones, saying they are a distraction during production. In a 2017 interview with Esquire, he said, “Everybody understands. I’ve had a lot of crews thank me. With a set, we’re trying to create a bubble of alternate reality.”

The Odyssey is currently showing in cinemas.