See Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey Trailer the Way It Wasn't Meant for Viewing.
The acclaimed filmmaker's mythic action epic, The Odyssey, stands as a movie we've been eagerly awaiting ever since it was revealed. It easily ranks as one of the most awaited motion pictures coming next year. As a pre-Christmas treat, a preview has now been released, though it's hampered by YouTube's poor compression—perhaps explaining why Nolan initially kept the preview exclusive to cinemas.
A First Glimpse at the Legendary Cast
This first look reveals Matt Damon portraying Odysseus. We also see Tom Holland as Telemachus and Anne Hathaway as Penelope. In a poignant moment, Penelope asks her husband to vow he will return, only for him to look up and question what happens if he cannot. The trailer also offers a quick, obscured look at Polyphemus the Cyclops, from whom sheep are are taken by the hero and his men during their arduous journey.
Adapted from a cornerstone in classic storytelling, The Odyssey follows the lengthy quest undertaken by the famed ruler. After his triumph at Troy, as told in Homer's Iliad, Odysseus endures an extended and hazardous road home.
Mythical Encounters with an All-Star Cast
On his travels, Odysseus confronts numerous obstacles and legendary creatures. This roster features the witch-goddess Circe, known for turning humans into pigs, as well as the treacherous Sirens. Regardless of these ordeals, Odysseus vows to do whatever it takes to reunite with Penelope and Telemachus on his home island.
This film's ensemble is remarkably star-studded. Alongside the leading trio is Charlize Theron portraying the shrewd goddess, alongside Zendaya, Lupita Nyong'o, Robert Pattinson, Elliot Page, and Jon Bernthal.
A Story Repeatedly Told
The classic poem has inspired many reinterpretations over the years. Examples include modern retellings and a late-90s dance production. There has even been adapted into a musical titled Epic: The Musical, presented as a multi-part album series.
A full-length preview was long awaited since the film's announcement and a brief teaser that previously played exclusively in theaters. That footage later made its way onto the internet shortly thereafter.
For a superior viewing experience, the preview available via the film's official social channel may provide a better, clearer look.
The Odyssey is scheduled for release on global IMAX screens on July 17, 2026.
