Instructor Extends Olive Branch, Offering Nolan Complimentary Spot in Her Class
Christopher Nolan found himself the subject of an unusual viral moment last year when a Peloton instructor harshly criticized his film Tenet during a virtual cycling class. Unbeknownst to her, Nolan himself was participating in that very class under a pseudonym. Video of the incident recently resurfaced this week as Nolan gave an acceptance speech at an awards ceremony.
The instructor, Jenn Sherman, could be seen in the video lambasting Tenet as “a waste of time” and expressing confusion over the plot. “It was like ‘what the f*** is going on?’,” she said. At the time, Nolan opted not to reveal himself, later stating he found the unfiltered criticism “absolutely delightful.”
The video went hugely viral last year, being viewed over 12 million times across social media platforms. It also spawned a wave of memes poking fun at the complexity of Nolan’s films.
While the interaction left Sherman embarrassed once she learned of Nolan’s identity, the director himself took it all in stride. He even gave Sherman a shoutout during his recent New York Film Critics Circle awards speech for Oppenheimer, his latest star-studded historical drama about the Manhattan Project scientist J. Robert Oppenheimer.
Instructor Praises Nolan’s Latest Film, Offers Olive Branch
Now Sherman is looking to turn over a new leaf with the renowned director. After viewing an advance screening of Oppenheimer, the instructor had high praise for Nolan’s latest effort.
“I absolutely loved it,” Sherman told NBC News. “It was fantastic. I wish I had said that about Tenet.”
Seemingly looking to bury the hatchet, Sherman also extended an invitation for Nolan to join one of her classes – free of charge:
“I would love for him to come take a ride with me. Front row seat, anytime, complimentary!”
Nolan has not yet publicly responded to the offer.
Nolan Film Poised to Top $500M at Global Box Office
The olive branch comes on the heels of major commercial success for Oppenheimer, Nolan’s first film since Tenet. With an all-star cast led by Cillian Murphy, Oppenheimer has earned over $500 million globally since opening last July.
That box office haul makes it the highest-grossing non-Batman film of Nolan’s career. And with an awards season push still ahead, more commercial success likely lies in store.
Oppenheimer scored a 2024 Oscar nomination for Best Visual Effects this week. And lead actor Cillian Murphy is considered a contender for a Best Actor nomination as well.
Oppenheimer Global Box Office
| Region | Gross Sales |
|---|---|
| Domestic (US/Canada) | $187.3 million |
| International | $321.7 million |
| Worldwide Total | $509 million |
The film has struck a chord with critics too, earning an 80% Rotten Tomatoes score along with praise for its visual flair and Murphy’s lead performance.
Clearly, Nolan has rebounded in a big way from the polarizing reaction to Tenet. And it seems Sherman has joined the fans rooting for Oppenheimer’s continued success through awards season and beyond.
What’s Next for Nolan and His Unlikely Critic?
Looking ahead, Nolan has yet to announce his next project following Oppenheimer. But with his track record, anticipation will be high regardless of what he tackles.
As for Sherman, she continues leading popular cycling classes for Peloton’s nationwide member base. And she seems intent on having the last word in her unexpected feud with Nolan:
“I would love to have a conversation with him at some point and bury the hatchet. And if he wants to drag me for his next movie, I am here for it!”
So while she may have criticized Nolan’s work in blunt fashion before, Sherman seems to bear no ill towards the acclaimed director.
Only time will tell if Nolan accepts Sherman’s class invite or takes her up on the chance to trade movie reviews. But this unique dynamic between the Hollywood iconoclast and the straight-talking fitness instructor seems far from over.
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