Anne Hathaway's UGG boots met an unexpected enemy on the set of Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey. During a promotional interview for the epic Greek mythology film, Hathaway and co-star Matt Damon revealed that one of the director's biggest set rules was to never wear a pair of UGGs.
Damon said the filmmaker 'hates' UGGs, but Nolan's reasoning goes beyond personal preference. For a director known for creating deeply detailed worlds, even a pair of cosy boots can become a distraction from the reality he wants actors to experience on set.
When Anne Hathaway Had To Remove Her UGGs
Hathaway recalled the moment she arrived on set wearing UGG boots and immediately received disapproval from Nolan.
'I did show up one day with UGGs and he looked down and went: 'Nope,'' Hathaway said. She accepted the decision without argument, adding that the boots 'never came back' to her.
Damon also joined in on the joke, explaining that Nolan's dislike of the popular footwear had become well-known among cast members. According to the actor, UGG boots represented something Nolan wanted to avoid while working.
'He hates UGGs more than anything,' Damon stated, adding: 'I think they just symbolise some kind of leisure for him that he's just not comfortable with while he's working.'
The comments quickly became one of the more unusual talking points from The Odyssey's press tour, especially because UGG boots are widely loved by actors who spend long hours on film sets.
@usatodayentertainment According the #AnneHathaway and #MattDamon, do NOT give Christopher Nolan these as a gift. 😂 #christophernolan ♬ original sound - USA TODAY Entertainment
Christopher Nolan Explains His 'No UGGs' Policy
Nolan later explained the reasoning behind the rule during an interview about the film. He said the 'no UGGs' policy began as a running joke with Anne Hathaway and Emily Blunt before becoming part of his filmmaking routine.
The director explained that actors often change into soft, comfortable footwear when their costumes become painful. But he believes those modern details can affect the mood on set.
'You can be on set where you've got a guy holding a microphone, a giant camera — you've got crew everywhere. But something like that can actually weirdly take you out of the reality,' Nolan said, referring to the UGGs.
For Nolan, maintaining focus is a major part of his directing style.
'I want to stay in the moment. We want the actors to stay in the moment,' he explained. He described UGG boots as a 'signifier of modernity,' saying they remind people they are on a film set rather than inside the world they're trying to create.
Christopher Nolan has a "no UGGs on set" policy for a very simple reason: The “signifier of modernity” could take actors out of the reality the crew is trying to create for the film. pic.twitter.com/VsrMH9cFIS
— CBS Mornings (@CBSMornings) July 21, 2026
Why Actors Love Wearing UGG Boots
Despite Nolan's concerns, UGG boots have become a favourite among actors and fashion fans because of their comfort and practicality. Film sets often involve long shooting days, repeated takes and hours spent standing, making soft footwear an appealing choice between scenes.
Many performers wear UGGs or similar slippers while waiting between takes because they provide warmth and relief after spending hours in heavy costumes or character shoes. This is especially common on period films, where actors may wear restrictive boots or formal footwear that looks authentic on camera but is not designed for comfort.
Emily Blunt, who worked with Nolan on Oppenheimer, has also spoken about his reaction to UGG boots. She previously joked about his strong feelings towards the footwear, even turning the disagreement into a light-hearted moment by gifting him a pair.
