Hollywood loves a good retelling, and Christopher Nolan is taking on one of the oldest and most epic stories of all time: Homer’s The Odyssey. This isn’t just any adaptation. Nolan’s film promises to be a grand spectacle, following in the footsteps of successful historical epics like Gladiator, Troy, and Clash of the Titans.
Fresh off the monumental success of Oppenheimer, Nolan had his pick of projects. He chose to tackle The Odyssey, ensuring that a new generation will experience this ancient story. While classic works like Dracula have seen numerous adaptations, The Odyssey has been relatively less explored.
Given the distance from the release date, there’s no official trailer yet. However, Universal has released a single still image featuring Matt Damon as the legendary Odysseus. This glimpse is sure to whet fans’ appetites.
A Mastermind
Christopher Nolan, the mastermind behind blockbusters like The Dark Knight, Inception, Interstellar, Dunkirk, and Oppenheimer, will direct The Odyssey. His track record speaks for itself, guaranteeing a commercially successful and visually stunning film. With Nolan at the helm, audiences can expect heart-pounding action. It is another potentially lengthy cinematic experience, considering his penchant for films that push the three-hour mark. Nolan will direct, write, and produce the film alongside his wife and longtime producing partner, Emma Thomas.
History of The Odyssey
The Odyssey draws inspiration from Homer’s epic poem, written around 750-650 BCE. It chronicles the arduous journey of the Greek hero Odysseus as he strives to return home to Ithaca after the Trojan War. Universal describes the film as “a mythic action epic shot across the world using brand-new IMAX film technology … [it] brings Homer’s foundational saga to IMAX film screens for the first time.”
Odysseus’s journey is fraught with peril. He encounters mythical creatures and gods, including the Cyclops Polyphemus, the goddess Circe, and the sea god Poseidon.
A Star-Studded Cast
The cast is a powerhouse of talent, featuring Matt Damon as Odysseus. He stars alongside Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Zendaya, Lupita Nyong’o, and Robert Pattinson. The cast also includes Charlize Theron, Jon Bernthal, Benny Safdie, John Leguizamo, and Elliot Page. Himesh Patel, Bill Irwin, Mia Goth, and Corey Hawkins round out the ensemble cast.
The Odyssey in Theaters
Production began in February 2025, giving Nolan and his team ample time for the meticulous post-production work he’s known for. The film will open in theaters on July 17, 2026. Given Nolan’s track record, The Odyssey will be a must-see.
