The Odyssey (2026) – Christopher Nolan’s Epic Homer Adaptation: Cast, Trailer & First Look
Christopher Nolan, the visionary director behind masterpieces like Oppenheimer, Inception, and The Dark Knight trilogy, is back with his most ambitious project yet: The Odyssey, a sweeping adaptation of Homer’s ancient Greek epic poem. This mythic action epic marks Nolan’s 13th feature film and his first since the Oscar-sweeping Oppenheimer (2023). Shot entirely on groundbreaking new IMAX film cameras — a world-first for a narrative blockbuster — the film promises unparalleled scale, immersion, and practical spectacle.
The Odyssey is scheduled for theatrical release on July 17, 2026, distributed by Universal Pictures in IMAX, IMAX 70mm, and premium large formats. Tickets for select IMAX 70mm screenings went on sale a full year in advance (July 17, 2025), with many selling out within hours — a testament to the massive anticipation following Nolan’s track record.
Plot: A Timeless Journey of Heroism and Peril
The film faithfully chronicles Odysseus (Matt Damon), the clever and wily king of Ithaca, on his perilous 10-year voyage home after the Trojan War. Facing mythical threats like the one-eyed Cyclops Polyphemus, enchanting Sirens, the witch-goddess Circe, storms at sea, and the wrath of the gods, Odysseus must use his ingenuity and leadership to survive and reunite with his loyal wife Penelope (Anne Hathaway) and son Telemachus (Tom Holland).
Nolan has described the story as foundational to cinema itself, noting that many of his previous films draw inspiration from its themes of strategy, sacrifice, and human resilience. He aims to bring the epic’s “mythic” elements to life with breathtaking practical effects, massive sets, and real-world locations shot across the globe — including extensive sequences at sea. Nolan emphasized embracing the “physicality of the real world,” shooting over 2 million feet of film during the 91-day production to achieve visuals that “haven’t been done before.”
The tone blends high-stakes action, emotional depth, and philosophical weight, much like Nolan’s signature style — expect intricate intercutting, practical stunts, and a sense of grand scale that honors Homer while feeling fresh and cinematic.
Star-Studded Cast
Nolan has assembled one of the most impressive ensembles in recent memory:
- Matt Damon as Odysseus — The strategic, brooding hero. Nolan praised Damon’s ability to portray a “complicated” leader who’s both cunning and deeply human. This reunites Damon with Nolan after Interstellar and Oppenheimer.
- Anne Hathaway as Penelope — Odysseus’s faithful wife, waiting in Ithaca amid suitors and uncertainty.
- Tom Holland as Telemachus — Odysseus’s son, stepping into manhood while searching for his father.
- Zendaya as Athena — The goddess who aids Odysseus.
- Robert Pattinson as Hermes — The messenger god.
- Charlize Theron as Circe — The enchantress who transforms men.
- Lupita Nyong’o as Clytemnestra.
- Jon Bernthal as Menelaus.
- Additional cast includes Benny Safdie (Agamemnon), Elliot Page, Himesh Patel, Bill Irwin, John Leguizamo, Mia Goth, Samantha Morton, and more in supporting roles.
Returning Nolan collaborators include cinematographer Hoyte van Hoytema, editor Jennifer Lame, visual effects supervisor Andrew Jackson, production designer Ruth De Jong, costume designer Ellen Mirojnick, and composer Ludwig Göransson (fresh off his Oppenheimer Oscar).
Trailer & First Look Highlights
The official trailer dropped on December 22, 2025, and racked up over 121 million views in its first 24 hours — more than double Oppenheimer‘s trailer debut. It features haunting narration, epic sea voyages, the Trojan Horse sequence (with soldiers hidden inside), intense battles, mythical creatures emerging from shadows, and emotional moments like Penelope’s plea: “Promise me you will come back.”
Earlier teases included a brooding first-look image of Matt Damon as Odysseus in Corinthian helmet and armor (February 2025), and a six-minute prologue playing in select IMAX theaters ahead of other films, showcasing the Trojan Horse infiltration and grand-scale warfare.
The visuals are stunning — breathtaking cinematography, massive practical sets, and IMAX’s immersive format make it feel like a true event film. Critics have called the sequences “breathtaking” and predicted it could be one of 2026’s most beautiful movies.
Why Fans Are Excited
- Nolan’s Vision — After Oppenheimer‘s success, expectations are sky-high for his take on one of literature’s greatest stories.
- Groundbreaking Tech — First film shot 100% on IMAX cameras, with new upgrades for close-ups and sound.
- Epic Scale Meets Heart — Practical effects, real locations, and Nolan’s emotional storytelling promise something special.
- All-Star Power — The cast alone is a draw, blending Nolan veterans with fresh faces.
- Cultural Impact — As Homer’s foundational tale, it’s a bold swing that could redefine mythological cinema.
Where to Watch The Odyssey (2026)
- In Theaters — Premieres July 17, 2026 (IMAX and 70mm prioritized). Buy tickets via:
- Fandango
- AMC Theatres
- Regal Cinemas International: Check local chains like Vue (UK), Cineworld, or BookMyShow (India).
- Streaming — Not yet announced. Expect a theatrical window first, then likely Netflix or Peacock (due to Universal ties), followed by other platforms. Stay tuned for official updates.
Catch up on Nolan’s filmography in the meantime — many are on Max, Peacock, or rent/buy on Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, etc.
What do you think—does Nolan’s mythic take on The Odyssey excite you, or are you curious how he’ll handle the gods and monsters? Drop your thoughts in the comments!
