Christopher Nolan is bringing epic drama to the big screen again with The Odyssey, placing Tom Holland as Telemachus in a production set to premiere in cinemas on July 17, 2026. This film, an adaptation of Homer’s ancient Greek poem, boasts a cast including Matt Damon as Odysseus and Anne Hathaway as Penelope, offering a fresh look at classic mythology with a modern ensemble.
Christopher Nolan’s Return to Epic Storytelling
After renowned works like Interstellar, Tenet, Dunkirk, and Oppenheimer, Christopher Nolan is revisiting deep historical narratives. This time, he takes on the challenge of retelling the events of Homer’s Odyssey, a foundational text scholars date between 750 and 650 BCE. The film is positioned as a sweeping adaptation that seeks to capture the intensity, uncertainty, and nuance embedded in the ancient tale.
The Cast and Their Legendary Roles
Nolan’s mastery often includes a robust ensemble, and The Odyssey is no exception. Matt Damon portrays Odysseus, the embattled King of Ithaca, caught after the Trojan War and desperate to return home. Tom Holland steps into the role of Telemachus, Odysseus’ young son, whose resolve and inner conflict anchor much of the film’s emotional core.
Anne Hathaway takes on Penelope, wife to Odysseus, holding steadfast in Ithaca while facing persistent suitors and uncertainty around her husband’s fate. Robert Pattinson appears as Antinous, one of the chief suitors vying for Penelope’s hand. Zendaya will play Athena, the clever goddess committed to guiding Odysseus. Charlize Theron features as Circe, a powerful and enigmatic goddess known for her sorcery.
Further bolstering the ensemble are Jon Bernthal as Menelaus, another key Greek king from Sparta, and John Leguizamo as Eumaeus, the loyal servant to Odysseus. Mia Goth joins as Melantho, a trusted maid in Odysseus’ and Penelope’s household. Other supporting roles include Benny Safdie, Lupita Nyong’o, Elliot Page, Himesh Patel, Bill Irwin, Samantha Morton, Corey Hawkins, and Logan Marshall-Green, integrating a broad sweep of talent to bring the ancient world to life.
A Classic Tale Reimagined for Modern Audiences
The narrative closely reflects Homer’s epic, following the intricate and perilous journey of Odysseus as he attempts to return to Ithaca after his heroic deeds in the Trojan War. The voyage is extended over a grueling ten years, where Odysseus battles both mythical beasts and the wrath of gods like Poseidon. Meanwhile, the political intrigue in Ithaca thickens as Penelope faces relentless suitors who believe her husband has perished, all while holding out hope.
Tom Holland as Telemachus becomes an essential figure, undertaking his own odyssey by traveling to Pylos and then Sparta. His quest brings him to King Nestor and King Menelaus, seeking news of his father and clarity about the war’s aftermath. The narrative is driven by his restless search and the complex dynamics of family, duty, and identity amid loss and uncertainty.
Enduring Themes and What Audiences Can Expect
The film delves into timeless questions of resilience, identity, and homecoming. In Homer’s version, Odysseus ultimately returns to Ithaca disguised as a beggar, forced to prove his identity after years of transformation and trial. The anticipated cinematic retelling is poised to embrace this complexity, focusing not only on adventure but also on the inner turmoil and hope experienced by the characters, especially as portrayed by Tom Holland as Telemachus.
With its combination of mythic storytelling and an all-star cast, The Odyssey aims to reinvigorate the ancient story for new generations, inviting viewers to consider both the vastness of its world and its deeply personal journeys. As the release date draws closer, audiences can expect a film that honors Homer’s vision while exploring the nuanced emotions and relentless spirit of its legendary heroes.
