Takeuchi’s Unexpected Nolan Journey
When the legendary Sailor Moon creator Naoko Takeuchi was asked about Christopher Nolan’s blockbuster The Odyssey, she didn’t start with the usual fanfare. Instead, she recalled a quirky family night on a South African safari, where a hotel TV introduced her to The Prestige. "Even without understanding English, I was hooked," she laughed, noting that her husband Yoshihiro Togashi (the mind behind Hunter x Hunter) and their son watched the film repeatedly, sparking a household fascination with Nolan’s atmospheric storytelling.
From Magic Tricks to Mythic Epics
Takeuchi’s admiration grew as she followed Nolan’s career, culminating in her reaction to The Odyssey. She praised the film’s three‑hour sweep across six countries, calling it a “fantasy masterpiece” that oddly mirrors a simple father‑son longing tale. While she teased Nolan’s penchant for “sexy, handsome older men,” she also admitted the casting of Matt Damon initially irritated her, likening him to a husband who never returns home. Over time, she softened, recognizing the narrative weight behind his performance.
Handsome Heroes and Goddess Wardrobes
The director’s love for striking male leads shone through the Trojan Horse sequence and the sweaty, rugged warriors aboard the returning ship. Takeuchi highlighted these moments as “sensual and thrilling,” yet she couldn’t help but wish Zendaya, portraying Athena, had worn a more goddess‑like dress. Still, she respected the creative decision, noting Athena’s role leans more toward wisdom than warfare.
Beyond the film, Takeuchi reminded fans that the original Sailor Moon series and its 2014 reboot Sailor Moon Crystal remain available on Crunchyroll, Netflix, and Hulu/Disney+, with Kodansha handling the manga’s U.S. distribution.
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