Christopher Nolan, the director best known for films like Oppenheimer, is taking on a new challenge with his upcoming adaptation of Homer’s Greek epic, The Odyssey. Filming for this project wrapped after an extensive 91-day shoot, and Nolan revealed that he used over two million feet of film for the production, with the aim of bringing unprecedented scale and realism to the legendary story.
The 2026 release marks Nolan’s first movie since Oppenheimer, and he shared insights about his creative process with Empire Magazine. Describing the experience, he explained the decision to take the cast portraying Odysseus’ crew to actual locations and shoot on real oceans, using practical effects to capture the full scope of the ancient journey. According to Nolan, the natural settings provided shifting, unpredictable conditions that added both wonder and danger to the production.
We really wanted to capture how hard those journeys would have been for people. And the leap of faith that was being made in an unmapped, uncharted world.
— Christopher Nolan, Director
Capturing an Ancient Story for Modern Audiences
Nolan’s interest in the classic tale comes from a wish to bring something new to the world of cinema. He reflected on the absence of certain mythological stories in big-budget Hollywood, noting that while he grew up with Ray Harryhausen’s influential films, he hadn’t seen the story of Odysseus delivered with the grand scale modern filmmaking can afford.
And what I saw is that all of this great mythological cinematic work that I had grown up with – Ray Harryhausen movies and other things – I’d never seen that done with the sort of weight and credibility that an A-budget and a big Hollywood, IMAX production could do.
— Christopher Nolan, Director
Nolan stated that The Odyssey “contains all stories,” reflecting its mix of adventure, fantasy, and personal drama. The film looks to fill gaps in cinematic culture, delivering a mythic tale to a contemporary audience using the scale and resources of a major production.
An All-Star Cast Embarks on Odysseus’ Journey
The Odyssey stars Matt Damon as Odysseus, the king of Ithaca who faces a perilous voyage home following the fall of Troy. Along his journey, Odysseus must overcome gods, monsters, and the consequences of his own past decisions. The film also focuses on his wife Penelope, played by another leading actor, and their son Telemachus, portrayed by Tom Holland, as they fight to protect their kingdom in Ithaca during his absence.
The ensemble cast includes notable names such as Robert Pattinson, Zendaya, Mia Goth, Jon Bernthal, Charlize Theron, Anne Hathaway, and Elliot Page. Many of these actors are returning collaborators for Nolan, bringing together talent from across his filmography.
Returning to Work with Nolan: Cast Reflections
At New York Comic Con, Elliot Page discussed the joy of reuniting with Nolan for The Odyssey after their previous collaboration on Inception in 2010. Page highlighted the excitement and personal growth experienced during the project.
I loved working with him on Inception and loved being a part of that movie. I was just completely jazzed and excited, and [I] basically went and met with Chris and talked about the part, then sat in a room and read the script. It was such a joy to come back.
— Elliot Page, Actor
To come back now, as you can imagine, being more comfortable in yourself makes these sorts of projects more enjoyable. To get to have a Chris Nolan experience again now meant so much to me selfishly.
— Elliot Page, Actor
Setting the Stage for a Major Cinematic Event
With two million feet of film stock, extensive location shoots on open water, and a diverse ensemble cast, Christopher Nolan The Odyssey film aims to deliver an epic adaptation of Homer’s classic to the big screen. The project draws on both Hollywood spectacle and deep-seated mythological storytelling, promising a fresh cinematic experience that may become a new benchmark for adaptations of ancient tales.
As the 2026 premiere approaches, expectations remain high for Nolan’s vision of this enduring myth. The involvement of acclaimed actors like Matt Damon, Tom Holland, and Elliot Page, plus the director’s reputation for ambitious storytelling, sets the stage for a film that could influence the future of large-scale adaptations in the industry. Fans and newcomers alike eagerly await a journey that attempts to capture both the timeless challenges of its heroes and the possibilities of modern cinema.
