Christopher Nolan shared what his favorite film of 2024 was, and it's from a genre he would be perfect for, but he hasn't explored it in 26 years. Christopher Nolan has become one of the most respected and popular filmmakers of his generation, and there is always a lot of speculation and anticipation surrounding his projects. Nolan's films have stood out mainly for the themes he often explores in them, such as time, identity and memory, and he has done this across different genres – from psychological thrillers to epic war thrillers and superhero films.
Most of Nolan's films have been critical and commercial successes, and he has proven himself capable of adapting to different genres. Nolan Dark Knight the trilogy changed the superhero genre and the formula these films followed, Start sparked conversations about dreams, and Oppenheimer led the public to rethink the impact of certain historical events. As of this writing, Nolan is working on his next film, and his favorite film of 2024 shows what his next genre should be.
Christopher Nolan would be perfect for a swords and sandals historical epic
Here's Another Genre Christopher Nolan Would Succeed In
As part of Varietyspecial article about different directors' favorite films of 2024, Christopher Nolan shared that his is Gladiator II. Directed by Ridley Scott, Gladiator II is the story of Lúcio (Paul Mescal), grandson of Marco Aurélio, who is forced into slavery after Roman soldiers led by General Acácio (Pedro Pascal) invade his city. Lucius begins fighting as a gladiator and is mentored by former slave Macrinus (Denzel Washington), as he plans to overthrow emperors Caracalla (Fred Hechinger) and Geta (Joseph Quinn).
Gladiator II It was a critical success and so far also a commercial success, and is already nominated in two Golden Globe categories. Nolan praises Scott's direction and the narrative of Gladiator IIand it's also clear that this is a genre Nolan would be perfect for. Nolan knows big productionsas seen in your Batman films, Principle, Interstellarand Oppenheimer, nor is he familiar with historical dramas.
A Nolan swords-and-sandals epic would have a deeper emotional charge, as his films typically do, and would explore the characters' internal struggles much more. This, combined with the action and battle scenes found in this genre, would make for a unique film in Nolan's filmography and this genre.
Christopher Nolan's Next Film Is a Mystery, But It's Probably Not Like Gladiator II
Christopher Nolan's next film is unlikely to be a swords and sandals epic
After the success of OppenheimerChristopher Nolan is now working with Universal Pictures again on his next big project. The untitled project already has some big names lined up, some of them new to the Nolanverse and other previous collaborators, such as Tom Holland, Matt Damon, Zendaya, Anne Hathaway, Lupita Nyong'o, Robert Pattinson and Charlize Theron. Nolan's next project is set for release in July 2026, but plot details and even the genre are still unknown.
However, Nolan's next film is unlikely to be like Gladiator II. There's nothing so far to indicate that Nolan will explore a new genre in his career with his next film, but he could also surprise audiences. An epic of swords and sandals Christopher Nolan it would be an interesting surprise, but if not for his next film, he might visit the genre in the future.
Source: Variety.