Anne Hathaway accepted the role of Penelope in Christopher Nolan's film Odyssey because of her deep love for Greek mythology. The award-winning actress, who has received positive reviews for her performance, plays the wife of Odysseus as she waits for his return to Ithaca after 20 years of absence.
In an interview on Late Night with Seth Meyers, Hathaway said her passion for Greek myths began in school during English class. She said reading myths changed something inside her, adding that reading them for pleasure remains her favorite hobby today even if it sounds like film promotion.
Penelope's Role in Odyssey
Hathaway said that receiving the offer for Odyssey felt like different parts of her life were coming together. The new film presents Penelope as a dynamic mother protecting Telemachus from suitors, rather than a woman passively waiting for Odysseus.
Hathaway said she approached Penelope by considering whether the long absence of Odysseus gave her a degree of personal freedom unusual for the era. She added that she was satisfied the script allows Penelope to show authentic, justified female rage as a complex personality.
