Christopher Nolan has sparked fresh debate after cast members from The Odyssey shared details about the director’s strict rules on set.

During an appearance on Royal Court with host Brittany Broski, Matt Damon and Anne Hathaway described what they called the “commandments” of working on a Christopher Nolan film.

Damon summed up one rule by saying, “Thou shalt work hard.” Hathaway followed with another: “Thou shalt not wear Uggs.”

Damon, who plays Odysseus in The Odyssey, said Nolan discourages actors from wearing Ugg boots because he believes they create a relaxed mindset that does not suit the pace of filming.

He also said Nolan does not allow actors to watch playback footage or sit in chairs while filming.

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“Thou shalt not sit down. There are no chairs on set,” Damon said.

The actor added that Nolan prefers to stand throughout production. Reports have also claimed that the director does not allow mobile phones or water bottles on set. However, Nolan’s spokesperson rejected similar reports in 2020 and clarified that the production banned only mobile phones and smoking.

The actors’ comments quickly triggered debate on social media. Some users argued that long filming days require proper seating to protect the wellbeing of cast and crew. Others said Nolan’s methods help maintain discipline and focus during production.

Nolan has long defended his ban on mobile phones. He believes they distract people from the filmmaking process and break the atmosphere on set.

In a 2017 interview with Esquire, Nolan said:

“Everybody understands. I’ve had a lot of crews thank me. With a set, we’re trying to create a bubble of alternate reality.”

The latest discussion has once again drawn attention to Nolan’s distinctive filmmaking style, which continues to divide opinion while shaping some of Hollywood’s biggest productions.