The Odyssey (2026) — Overview

The Odyssey is an upcoming epic action drama film directed and written by Christopher Nolan. It’s a cinematic adaptation of Homer’s ancient Greek epic poem The Odyssey, telling the legendary journey of the Greek hero Odysseus as he struggles to return home after the Trojan War.

📅 Release Date

• Theatrical Release: July 17, 2026 worldwide.

🎥 Director & Creative Team

• Director: Christopher Nolan

• Writer: Christopher Nolan

• Producers: Christopher Nolan, Emma Thomas

• Cinematography: Hoyte van Hoytema

• Music: Ludwig Göransson (confirmed)

🧠 Source Material

The film is based on the ancient Greek epic poem The Odyssey, traditionally attributed to Homer. The original story follows Odysseus’s perilous ten‑year journey home to Ithaca after the Trojan War, encountering gods, monsters, and mythical challenges along the way.

🪩 Plot Summary (Expected)

While exact plot details are still under wraps, The Odyssey will adapt the major arc of Homer’s epic:

• Odysseus’s journey home after the Trojan War

• Encounters with mythical obstacles like the Cyclops, sirens, and enchantresses

• The emotional parallel of his wife Penelope and son Telemachus waiting at home

• Themes of survival, fate, loyalty, and the wrath of the gods

Nolan is known for non‑linear storytelling, so the narrative may shift between timelines — similar to the structure of the original poem.

⭐ Main Cast

Here are the major confirmed cast members for the film:

• Matt Damon as Odysseus (lead protagonist)

• Anne Hathaway as Penelope, Odysseus’s faithful wife

• Tom Holland as Telemachus, Odysseus’s son

• Zendaya as Athena (the goddess who aids Odysseus)

• Robert Pattinson as Antinous (one of the suitors)

• Charlize Theron as Circe, the sorceress

• Mia Goth (role reported)

• Jon Bernthal, John Leguizamo, Lupita Nyong’o, Elliot Page, Benny Safdie (roles not fully specified yet)

Many other supporting actors are also involved; this is a star‑studded ensemble cast typical of Nolan’s large‑scale productions.

📸 Filming & Production

• Principal photography occurred 2025 across multiple global locations:

  • Morocco

  • Italy (Sicily)

  • Greece

  • Scotland

  • Malta

  • United States (studio work)

• The film was shot partially or entirely using 70mm IMAX film cameras, representing a historic cinema milestone — the first major feature shot entirely on IMAX film.

🎞️ Visuals & Technology

Christopher Nolan pushed for brand‑new IMAX film technology to capture this epic, maximizing scale and detail for theater audiences.

🎟️ Release & Distribution

• The Odyssey is being distributed by Universal Pictures.

• It is expected to have an exclusive theatrical first run (no streaming release first).

🎥 Trailer & Marketing

• A first official trailer was released in December 2025, teasing iconic moments from the story and creating strong fan anticipation.

📍 Genre & Themes

• Genre: Mythic action epic / fantasy drama

• Themes: Heroism, fate vs. free will, endurance, homecoming, divine intervention, perseverance (central to Homer’s original poem as well).

🧠 About Homer’s Original Epic

The Odyssey is one of the oldest surviving works of Western literature, telling the tale of Odysseus’s struggles on his return to Ithaca after ten years of the Trojan War, facing creatures, temptations, and gods before reclaiming his home.

📌 Key Points at a Glance