Anne Hathaway has revealed that her own experiences as a mother helped shape her portrayal of Penelope in Christopher Nolan’s upcoming epic The Odyssey. Speaking at the film’s world premiere in London on July 6, the Oscar-winning actress explained that she drew on her protective instincts as a parent while playing the legendary queen of Ithaca, whose resilience becomes central to the story while her husband, Odysseus, is away at war.

Hathaway, who is expecting her third child with husband Adam Shulman, said she naturally connected with Penelope’s determination to protect her family. Describing herself as “a little bit of a mama bear,” the actress explained that nothing comes between her and her children, a mindset she found mirrored in the iconic character from Greek mythology.

In The Odyssey, Hathaway stars opposite Matt Damon, who plays Odysseus, the Greek hero attempting to return home after the Trojan War. During his long and dangerous journey, Penelope remains in Ithaca, where she faces mounting pressure from a group of powerful suitors eager to claim both her hand in marriage and Odysseus’ throne. At the same time, she works to safeguard her son, Telemachus, portrayed by Tom Holland, as political tensions continue to grow around them.

Hathaway said Penelope’s circumstances demanded more than emotional strength. With her husband absent and her son increasingly becoming a target, she believed the queen had to protect her family in multiple ways, making motherhood one of the emotional foundations of the role.

The film arrives during an especially busy period in Hathaway’s career. She announced her pregnancy in June after completing an extensive promotional tour for The Devil Wears Prada 2. The Odyssey marks her third major film release of 2026, following Mother Mary and the long-awaited fashion sequel. Before the year concludes, she is also expected to appear in The End of Oak Street alongside Ewan McGregor and the thriller Verity, where she stars with Dakota Johnson.

Reflecting on the moment, Hathaway admitted the pace of her career has felt surreal. She described herself as fortunate to experience so many opportunities at once and acknowledged that periods like this are rare. Rather than worrying about how long the momentum will last, she said she intends to appreciate every moment while it continues.

Industry observers have also praised Hathaway’s commitment during this demanding period. A source recently noted that the actress completed international press commitments while preparing for the arrival of her third child, describing her work ethic as remarkable.

Christopher Nolan’s adaptation of The Odyssey revisits one of literature’s oldest surviving epics, balancing large-scale adventure with the personal struggles of the family left behind. While much attention naturally falls on Odysseus’ perilous voyage, Hathaway’s comments suggest the film will also place considerable emotional weight on Penelope’s quiet endurance and unwavering devotion to her son.

By drawing from her own life, Hathaway hopes to present Penelope not simply as a faithful wife waiting for her husband’s return, but as a capable mother whose strength and protective instincts help define one of mythology’s most enduring characters.

Source: Compiled from various sources.