Marvel Studios’ animated series Eyes of Wakanda recently launched on Disney+, revealing a surprising Christopher Nolan MCU connection that has intrigued fans ahead of Nolan’s upcoming film, The Odyssey. The show chronicles various Wakandan wardogs through history as they retrieve Vibranium weapons. In its second episode, set during the Trojan War, it introduces a unique narrative twist featuring Achilles and Memnon, with Memnon portrayed as Wakandan—offering a fresh take on The Iliad.
Since The Odyssey is widely recognized as the sequel to The Iliad and prominently features Odysseus, Eyes of Wakanda’s brief inclusion of this legendary figure has sparked renewed interest. Especially notable is that Odysseus will be played by Matt Damon in Christopher Nolan’s eagerly awaited adaptation of The Odyssey, which has already seen its initial screening tickets sell out a year in advance. This connection marks an intriguing overlap between Marvel’s cinematic universe and Nolan’s epic, deepening conversations about shared mythologies and narratives.
The Historical Intersection of Eternals and Nolan’s Oppenheimer
Marvel’s 2021 film Eternals, helmed by Academy Award-winner Chloé Zhao and inspired by Jack Kirby’s 1970s comic series, presented another unexpected Christopher Nolan MCU connection. Despite the film’s ambitious scope, it struggled critically, becoming Marvel Studios’ first movie to score poorly on Rotten Tomatoes. Yet, it wove a significant narrative thread related to Nolan’s work with a scene involving the character Phastos, played by Brian Tyree Henry.
In Eternals, Phastos is depicted amid the aftermath of the Hiroshima bombing. This moment ties thematically to Nolan’s Oppenheimer, which explores Robert Oppenheimer’s role in developing the Atomic Bomb. Though Eternals was filmed well before Oppenheimer’s release, audiences drew parallels post-release, partially fueled by a misunderstood quote from Phastos:
“I did this. If my technology hadn’t helped them advance.”
—Brian Tyree Henry, as Phastos
The quote clarifies that Phastos did not directly create the bomb but provided early technology that eventually evolved into more destructive forms. This philosophical angle highlights humanity’s progress, encompassing both innovation and destruction, prompting viewers to reflect on human advancements and ethical responsibilities. The connection between Eternals and Oppenheimer thus adds contemplative depth to Marvel’s storytelling, even if the two films differ greatly in tone and critical reception.
Expanding MCU’s Ties With Nolan: Eyes of Wakanda, The Odyssey, and Spider-Man: Brand New Day
The release of Eyes of Wakanda came shortly after IMAX began ticket sales for Nolan’s The Odyssey, reinforcing the link between the MCU and Nolan’s cinematic universe. Fans tuned into Eyes of Wakanda expecting ties to Black Panther or related Marvel storylines, but the Trojan War setting and Odysseus’ appearance expanded this scope, coinciding with the heightened spotlight on the character as Nolan readies his adaptation featuring Matt Damon.
In addition to Eyes of Wakanda, this Christopher Nolan MCU connection extends to Spider-Man: Brand New Day. Tom Holland, who stars as Spider-Man, and Jon Bernthal, reprising his role as Frank Castle/The Punisher, both appear in Nolan’s The Odyssey. The timing of Spider-Man: Brand New Day’s release on July 31, 2026, just two weeks after Nolan’s film hits theaters on July 17, 2026, appears deliberate. The Marvel Studios move to delay Spider-Man’s release by a week suggests an effort to avoid box office competition while also easing promotional scheduling for Tom Holland.
Though Christopher Nolan has never directed a Marvel film—nor is there indication that he will—these narrative and casting crossovers create compelling connections between his projects and the MCU. The intertwining of Eternals, Oppenheimer, Eyes of Wakanda, and The Odyssey spotlights Marvel’s narrative worldbuilding in historical and mythological contexts, enriching viewers’ understanding of these diverse cinematic efforts.
Contextualizing the Significance of This Cross-Franchise Link
This newly revealed Christopher Nolan MCU connection underscores how myth, history, and modern storytelling can intersect across major franchises and filmmakers. By connecting characters from Wakandan lore to classic epics and integrating them alongside acclaimed films like Oppenheimer and The Odyssey, Marvel solidifies its focus on grand, multi-era narratives. This approach not only broadens the MCU’s thematic terrain but also increases anticipation for Nolan’s adaptation and the upcoming Spider-Man installment.
As Eyes of Wakanda streams on Disney+ and anticipation builds for Nolan’s The Odyssey, the interplay between these works highlights evolving storytelling methods that blend comic book universes, classical literature, and historical events. The collaboration of stars like Matt Damon, Tom Holland, and Jon Bernthal across these projects promises a rich theatrical experience for fans. With Nolan’s film debuting in theaters on July 17, 2026, and Spider-Man: Brand New Day following shortly after, audiences have multiple compelling reasons to engage with these interconnected stories.
