15 July,2026 06:04 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Christopher Nolan and Ashish Chanchlani (Pics/X)
Popular YouTuber and content creator Ashish Chanchlani has finally responded to a bizarre viral rumour claiming that acclaimed filmmaker Christopher Nolan had cast him as the lead in a fictional sequel to Interstellar. The fabricated post spread rapidly across social media, leaving many fans amused before Ashish himself joined in on the joke.
The viral claim originated from a spoof social media account that falsely announced Nolan had signed Chanchlani as the protagonist of Interstellar 2. The post even carried a fake quote attributed to the Oscar-winning filmmaker, making it appear authentic at first glance. While many users quickly realised it was satire, others briefly believed the news before fact-checking it.
Rather than ignoring the rumour, Ashish addressed it with his trademark humour. Sharing a screenshot of the fake post on his Instagram Stories, he jokingly reacted, "Oops... should I not have told anyone?" His playful response instantly resonated with fans, who appreciated that he chose comedy over clarification.
The fake post humorously claimed that Nolan was deeply impressed with Chanchlani's "intense emotional range" and "multidimensional screen presence," adding that the filmmaker had spent years searching for the perfect actor before finding him. It also jokingly suggested that Hollywood star Matthew McConaughey had personally recommended Ashish for the role after watching his videos.
The post quickly went viral across multiple social media platforms, with users sharing memes and sarcastic reactions. Several fans played along with the joke, while others praised Ashish's witty response to the fabricated announcement.
Christopher Nolan has made no such announcement, and there are currently no official plans for Interstellar 2. Released in 2014, Interstellar remains one of Nolan's most celebrated films and starred Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, Jessica Chastain, Michael Caine and Matt Damon. The science-fiction epic earned widespread critical acclaim and won the Academy Award for Best Visual Effects.
Ashish Chanchlani, meanwhile, continues to be one of India's most popular digital creators, with millions of followers across social media. Known for his comedy sketches and relatable content, he frequently engages with fans through humorous posts and pop culture references. His light-hearted reaction to the fake casting news once again showcased his ability to turn an internet prank into an entertaining moment for his audience.