Christopher Nolan has unveiled the first trailer for The Odyssey, his highly anticipated follow-up to Oppenheimer. The film, based on Homer’s legendary epic poem, promises to be one of the most ambitious cinematic events of 2026.
A Mythic Story Reimagined
At the heart of the film is Odysseus, portrayed by Matt Damon, who embarks on a perilous 10-year journey home to Ithaca after the Trojan War. Along the way, he faces gods, monsters, and men in a desperate attempt to reunite with his wife Penelope, played by Anne Hathaway.
The trailer opens with haunting visuals of desert sands scattered with battle armor, evoking the devastation of war. Damon’s Odysseus narrates: “After years of war, no one could stand between my men and home. Not even me.” The imagery sets the tone for Nolan’s sweeping vision of the ancient tale.
Star-Studded Ensemble
The cast is stacked with Hollywood heavyweights. Tom Holland plays Telemachus, Odysseus’s son, while Zendaya portrays the goddess Athena. Robert Pattinson takes on Hermes, Charlize Theron embodies Circe, Lupita Nyong’o plays Clytemnestra, and Jon Bernthal appears as Menelaus.
The trailer teases emotional exchanges between Damon and Hathaway, including Penelope’s plea: “Promise me you’ll come back.” Odysseus responds with chilling uncertainty: “What if I can’t?” This ensemble cast, combined with Nolan’s reputation for blending spectacle with emotional depth, positions The Odyssey as one of the most star-studded films of the decade.
Nolan’s Vision for Mythology
Nolan, who won Best Director and Best Picture for Oppenheimer in 2024, explained his motivation in an interview with Empire Magazine. “As a filmmaker, you’re looking for gaps in cinematic culture, things that haven’t been done before,” he said. “I’d never seen Greek mythology given the weight and credibility of a big Hollywood IMAX production.” Known for The Dark Knight trilogy and Dunkirk, Nolan has built a career on epic storytelling. With The Odyssey, he aims to bring the grandeur of Greek mythology to modern audiences with the scale and seriousness of a blockbuster.
Release Date and Anticipation
The Odyssey is set to premiere on July 17, 2026. With its ensemble cast, sweeping visuals, and Nolan’s signature style, the film is already one of the most anticipated releases of the year. Fans of mythology and cinema alike can expect a bold reimagining of Homer’s timeless story, blending ancient legend with cutting-edge filmmaking.
