Christopher Nolan’s adaptation of Homer’s ancient Greek epic, The Odyssey, is scheduled to premiere in theaters on July 17, 2026. The movie, featuring a distinguished ensemble cast led by Matt Damon, promises a groundbreaking cinematic experience enhanced by innovative IMAX film technology.
Following the success of Nolan’s Oppenheimer, which earned Best Picture and Best Director Oscars at the 96th Academy Awards, the filmmaker is preparing to bring a mythic action epic to the big screen. Universal Pictures announced in December 2024 that Nolan’s next project would be The Odyssey, a bold retelling of the classic story that has influenced countless adaptations across various media.
Early Teaser Sparks Anticipation for Nolan’s The Odyssey
A teaser trailer for The Odyssey has been released, but viewers can only see it in theaters before select major IMAX releases. Following Nolan’s pattern of early exclusives, this first look debuted more than a year before the film’s scheduled release, now appearing in front of movies like Jurassic World Rebirth and Superman. This is further amplified by The Odyssey’s distinction as the first blockbuster entirely filmed using new IMAX film cameras.
The teaser runs slightly over a minute and offers a dark, mysterious glimpse into Nolan’s vision of Homer’s epic. Matt Damon appears as Odysseus, the king of Ithaca, alongside Tom Holland portraying his son, Telemachus. Jon Bernthal features as a shadowy figure, engaging in tense dialogue with Holland’s character.
A narrator intones,
“Darkness. Zeus’ law smashed to pieces. A kingdom without a king since my master died,”
over stormy ocean scenes. The voice continues,
“He knew it was an unwinnable war. And then, somehow, he won it.”
The trailer prominently features iconic imagery, including two shots of the Trojan Horse—one casting its shadow on a beach, the other partly submerged in water.
Further tension surfaces in an exchange between Bernthal’s character and Telemachus:
“I know nothing of Odysseus, not since Troy,”
Bernthal declares amid an approaching storm.
To which Telemachus replies,
“I have to find out what happened to my father. When did you last see him?”
The scene transitions to a gathering by a fire with Lupita Nyong’o’s character among them. Bernthal challenges the group:
“Interested in rumor, huh? Gossip. Who has a story about Odysseus, huh? You? You? You have a story? Some say he’s rich, some say he’s poor. Some say he perished. Some say he’s imprisoned. What say you?”
Telemachus probes, Imprisoned? Bernthal responds,
“What kind of prison? Good, old man like that,”
as the camera shows fleeting glimpses of Greek soldiers, caverns, and Odysseus himself drifting alone at sea on a piece of wood.
The Story Behind Nolan’s Adaptation of Homer’s Epic
Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey recounts the legendary tale of Odysseus, the Ithacan king struggling to return home following the Trojan War. What might have been a swift journey becomes a decade-long struggle filled with peril and encounters with mythical beings.
The film will explore Odysseus’s trials against figures like the one-eyed Cyclops, the enchanting Sirens, and the powerful witch-goddess Circe, portrayed by Charlize Theron. Meanwhile, back in Ithaca, Odysseus is presumed dead. His wife Penelope is besieged by persistent suitors eager to claim his throne, and his son Telemachus grows up uncertain of his father’s fate.
Release Date Confirms Summer 2026 Launch
The Odyssey’s official release date was announced as July 17, 2026. This summer timing is in line with the film’s epic scale and anticipated broad audience appeal, setting it up as a major theatrical event. With IMAX tickets selling out a year in advance, excitement continues to build in moviegoing circles.
Who Brings The Odyssey to Life on Screen?
The cast of The Odyssey is notably expansive, featuring an array of Oscar-winning actors and well-established stars among its leading roles. Matt Damon stars as Odysseus, with Tom Holland playing Telemachus. Jon Bernthal and Lupita Nyong’o hold significant parts, while Anne Hathaway also appears in the ensemble.
In a recent interview, Holland described the production as “the job of a lifetime,” highlighting the uniqueness of working with Nolan. He said,
“The best experience I’ve had on the film set. Incredible,”
and added,
“It was exciting. It was different. And I think the movie is going to be unlike anything we’ve ever seen.”
He praised Nolan and producer Emma Thomas, stating,
“To get a front row seat to that and to be a part of the process and to collaborate with a true master of his craft and learn from him was the best experience I’ve ever had.”
Holland also expressed gratitude for the opportunity to work alongside his heroes, including Damon and Hathaway. He shared,
“To share scenes with them, to learn from them, to become friends with them, I couldn’t have asked for a better job,”
and emphasized his dedication:
“And I’m so proud of the work I’ve done. I came to work every day with a real sense of purpose and a point to prove, and I’m so grateful for Chris to have given me that opportunity.”
The film’s extensive cast also features Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, Benny Safdie, John Leguizamo, Elliot Page, Mia Goth, Himesh Patel, Corey Hawkins, Bill Irwin, Samantha Morton, Josh Stewart, Ryan Hurst, and Logan Marshall-Green, promising a richly layered performance landscape.
Anticipating a Groundbreaking Cinematic Journey
Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey stands poised to deliver a visually stunning and narratively profound interpretation of a foundational epic. With its use of pioneering IMAX film technology and a powerhouse cast, the film aims to push cinematic boundaries while honoring the timeless story of Odysseus’s perseverance and heroism.
The early teaser and the rapid advance ticket sales reflect growing anticipation among audiences eager to experience the mythic adventure in the immersive scale Nolan envisions. As the release date approaches, further details and trailers are expected to reveal more about the film’s portrayal of ancient Greece and the harrowing journey homewards.
