It’s not every day that a new word enters the pop culture lexicon, but Cillian Murphy—fresh off his award-winning turn in Oppenheimer—has done just that. At the Toronto International Film Festival on September 20, 2025, Murphy coined the term "ROMO," or "relief of missing out," as he discussed his absence from Christopher Nolan’s upcoming epic, The Odyssey. For fans who might have expected to see the Irish actor reunite with his favorite director, Murphy’s response was as refreshing as it was surprising: he’s not feeling left out at all. In fact, he’s delighted to be on the sidelines this time.
Murphy’s comments came amid a whirlwind of activity at the festival, where he was busy promoting his latest project, the Netflix borstal drama Steve. According to Empire, Murphy and director Tim Mielants joined the podcast’s 685th episode to talk about the film, offering insights into their creative process and the unique challenges of bringing such a gritty story to life. The podcast, released on September 19, 2025, also featured a lively discussion with Sean Penn about his role in Paul Thomas Anderson’s new movie, One Battle After Another, and offered reviews of several other high-profile releases, including Kogonada’s A Big Bold Beautiful Journey and Matthew McConaughey’s comeback vehicle, The Lost Bus.
But it was Murphy’s take on missing out on The Odyssey that really turned heads. With a cast boasting the likes of Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Robert Pattinson, and Zendaya, Nolan’s adaptation of Homer’s classic is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated films of 2026. Scheduled for release on July 17, the film is already generating plenty of buzz—not least because it will reportedly be the first movie shot entirely on IMAX cameras, a technical feat that only adds to Nolan’s reputation for pushing cinematic boundaries.
Given Murphy’s long history with Nolan—six films together, including Oppenheimer—it might seem odd for him to sit this one out. But as he explained at the festival, the decision wasn’t driven by regret or envy. "No, I can’t wait to see it," Murphy said, grinning as he introduced the world to ROMO. After the intense preparation required for Oppenheimer—which included significant weight loss and deep research into the life of J. Robert Oppenheimer—Murphy was ready for a change of pace. "If any director in the world could tackle The Odyssey, it’s Nolan. I’m just chuckling at the hype, but I can’t wait to see what he does," he added, according to Indulge Express.
For moviegoers accustomed to the idea of FOMO—fear of missing out—Murphy’s ROMO is a breath of fresh air. It’s a reminder that sometimes, stepping back can be just as rewarding as being in the thick of things. And with a packed slate of projects ahead, Murphy isn’t exactly taking it easy. Alongside Steve, he’s set to appear in the highly anticipated Peaky Blinders movie and 28 Days Later: The Bone Temple, ensuring that his fans will have plenty to look forward to in the coming year.
The Empire podcast episode featuring Murphy and Mielants delved into the making of Steve, a Netflix drama set in a borstal—a type of youth detention center. The conversation, which ran from approximately 17:10 to 31:14 minutes into the show, offered listeners a peek behind the curtain at the film’s development. The hosts, Helen O’Hara, James Dyer, and Beth Webb, managed to avoid the temptation to refer to the film as "Steeeeeeeeeeeeeeeve," keeping the focus on the serious themes at its core. Their discussion ranged from the challenges of portraying life inside a borstal to the collaboration between Murphy and Mielants, who have worked together previously.
Elsewhere in the episode, the team paid tribute to the late, great Robert Redford, reflecting on his enduring influence on the world of cinema. They also dissected the latest movie trailers, including Jack Black and Paul Rudd’s meta Anaconda reboot and a new look at Star Wars: Starfighter. In a nod to the enduring power of nostalgia, the hosts answered a listener question about which classic children’s TV shows would make for a compelling live-action film adaptation—a conversation that quickly turned into a love letter to the pop culture of the 1980s.
Sean Penn’s appearance on the podcast, which spanned from 57:47 to 1:17:21 minutes, centered on his role in Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another. The discussion touched on Penn’s approach to character, his experiences working with Anderson, and the broader themes of the film. As always, Penn brought his trademark intensity to the conversation, offering thoughtful reflections on the craft of acting and the state of the film industry today.
Back on the festival circuit, Murphy’s embrace of ROMO has sparked a conversation about the pressures actors face to constantly chase the next big project. After all, with a résumé that includes six collaborations with Nolan, Murphy has little left to prove. His willingness to step aside and let others take center stage is a testament to his confidence—not just as an actor, but as a person. And as he pointed out, watching Nolan tackle The Odyssey from the audience will be an experience in itself.
For those keeping score, The Odyssey is shaping up to be a landmark in cinematic history. With Nolan at the helm and a cast of A-listers, expectations are sky-high. But if Murphy’s attitude is any indication, the real story might be about knowing when to step back, appreciate the work of others, and find joy in the relief of missing out. It’s a lesson that resonates far beyond Hollywood—and one that’s likely to stick around long after the credits roll.
As the film world buzzes with anticipation for next year’s blockbusters, Cillian Murphy’s ROMO moment offers a timely reminder: sometimes, the best seat in the house is the one in the audience.
