Cinematic excitement is building as Christopher Nolan The Odyssey IMAX prologue is set to premiere alongside select IMAX screenings of Sinners and One Battle After Another starting December 11. This nearly six-minute preview gives audiences a first look at Nolan’s anticipated adaptation, just months after the filmmaker’s blockbuster success with Oppenheimer.
Exclusive First Look at Nolan’s New Epic in IMAX Theaters
According to recent updates, moviegoers attending IMAX showings of the acclaimed films Sinners and One Battle After Another are in for a special treat with a 5 minute and 47 second prologue from The Odyssey. These sneak peeks will begin rolling out in theaters mid-December, offering early visuals from one of the most talked-about upcoming releases.
Another fresh trailer for The Odyssey is expected to accompany IMAX presentations of Avatar: Fire and Ash in theaters from December 19. For those planning to watch these titles in premium formats, this bonus provides an exclusive opportunity to catch Nolan’s vision on the largest screens possible, emphasizing the director’s ongoing commitment to the IMAX experience.
Preview Hints at an Ambitious and Mythic Adaptation
The footage believed to be featured matches descriptions from Empire Magazine, which offered a detailed account of the sequence. The prologue reportedly opens with a single, evocative question:
You hear the story of the horse?
— Empire Magazine Account
This immersive scene draws viewers into the dramatic moment when the colossal wooden horse is pulled to the gates of Troy. The narrative escalates rapidly as soldiers concealed within the structure emerge, igniting chaos. The preview ends with the formidable appearance of a Cyclops, signaling the mythic scale and ambition driving Nolan’s interpretation of Homer’s ancient epic.
A Star-Studded Cast Reimagines the Greek Classic
The Odyssey marks Christopher Nolan’s return to feature filmmaking, harnessing momentum from Oppenheimer’s immense success. The ensemble cast is led by Matt Damon as Odysseus, with Tom Holland portraying Telemachus, Anne Hathaway as Penelope, and Zendaya taking on the role of Athena. Supporting roles include Mia Goth as Melantho and Jon Bernthal as Agamemnon, with further appearances by Charlize Theron, Lupita Nyong’o, Robert Pattinson, Benny Safdie, John Leguizamo, Elliot Page, and Himesh Patel.
Sharing his experience, Damon offered insight into the scale and emotional impact of the project:
I can say, without hyperbole, that it was the best experience of my career. I saw the horse on the beach and I was just like, ‘F*ck.’ It was just so cool.
— Matt Damon, Lead Actor
Nolan himself described the production as exceptionally ambitious, revealing he shot over two million feet of film—close to 400 miles—and spent four months filming at sea to capture the Odyssey’s legendary journey with remarkable authenticity.
The Odyssey Set for Theatrical Debut in 2026
The Odyssey is scheduled for wide release in theaters on July 17, 2026. With its compelling cast, grand storytelling approach, and early IMAX prologue preview, Christopher Nolan’s adaptation is charting a course to captivate both long-time fans of Homer’s epic and modern moviegoers alike. As anticipation rises, these early glimpses indicate a cinematic voyage of remarkable scale and passion, ensuring Nolan’s latest blockbuster remains at the top of next year’s most anticipated lists.
