World-renowned director Christopher Nolan, who visited South Korea ahead of the release of his new film 'Odyssey', made a surprise appearance on SBS 'News Hunters', expressing his deep affection for Korean audiences and sharing behind-the-scenes stories with master director Park Chan-wook.
Director Nolan conducted an exclusive interview with 'News Hunters' at the SBS building in Mok-dong on the 3rd.
Despite arriving in the extreme heat wave wearing a jacket, which worried fans, he lightened the mood by joking, "Having come through China and India, I've gotten used to the heat," and "At least I'm glad I don't have to wear a tie like the anchor."
Director Nolan, who said he had long looked forward to visiting South Korea, mentioned the explosive support Korean audiences sent him in the past during the release of 'Interstellar'. He expressed deep emotion about meeting Korean fans, saying, "From that moment on, I wanted to come to Korea in person to meet people and feel that enthusiasm, but I didn't have the opportunity until this new work."
In particular, he introduced his special encounter with Director Park Chan-wook during this trip to Korea. Director Nolan burst into laughter, sharing, "When Director Park asked about my next project plans and I said I didn't know, he told me, 'Go on vacation, but don't rest for too long before your next movie.' Honestly, hearing that made me feel even more tired." He then expressed his respect, adding, "Director Park is a master I've admired for a long time, and it's always fascinating to see Korean creators changing the current of global culture."
Regarding his new film 'Odyssey', he emphasized that it was a core project running through his directing career. Director Nolan confessed, "While rereading the ancient text, I was surprised to realize that it contained the themes and storytelling models that guided my entire career, not only 'Interstellar' but also 'The Dark Knight' trilogy and 'Tenet'."
Regarding the background of adapting ancient mythology for modern times, he stated, "The 'Law of Zeus (Xenia)' appearing in the original work is an ancient norm to warmly respect and treat unfamiliar strangers. I realized that this is ultimately the principle of 'mutual respect' that supports modern civilization, and I wanted to convey the message that when we ignore this, we put ourselves in danger."
In addition, Director Nolan's honest and candid sides—ranging from his challenge of filming entirely in IMAX, which he has aspired to since he was 16 years old, to leaving an autograph directly on the camera lens for viewers—will be revealed on 'News Hunters', airing this evening (the 4th) at 7 PM. This broadcast can be watched via TV and YouTube channels.
(Photo: SBS Entertainment News, Reported by Kang Sun-ae)
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