• The debut trailer for Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey provides the initial glimpse of its star-studded cast, including Tom Holland as Telemachus, Anne Hathaway as Penelope, and Matt Damon as Odysseus.
  • Directed and written by Nolan, the film reimagines Homer’s ancient saga as a mythic action epic, filmed worldwide using innovative IMAX technology and scheduled for release on July 17, 2026.
  • The trailer opens at a soldiers' burial site, with Odysseus narrating the longing for home after years of war.
  • Key scenes feature the Trojan Horse's dramatic entry, a possible Cyclops encounter in a cave, undead rising from the ground, and a stormy sea voyage.

Quick Summary

The debut trailer for Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey provides the initial glimpse of its star-studded cast, including Tom Holland as Telemachus, Anne Hathaway as Penelope, and Matt Damon as Odysseus. Directed and written by Nolan, the film reimagines Homer’s ancient saga as a mythic action epic, filmed worldwide using innovative IMAX technology and scheduled for release on July 17, 2026.

The trailer opens at a soldiers' burial site, with Odysseus narrating the longing for home after years of war. Key scenes feature the Trojan Horse's dramatic entry, a possible Cyclops encounter in a cave, undead rising from the ground, and a stormy sea voyage. The story centers on Odysseus's journey back to Ithaca, his wife Penelope, and son Telemachus.

Additional cast includes Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong’o, Zendaya, and Charlize Theron. Behind-the-scenes highlights include Tom Holland arranging a screening of Lawrence of Arabia for the cast. As Nolan's 13th feature, The Odyssey follows the triumph of Oppenheimer, which grossed $975 million and won Best Picture at the Oscars. Tickets went on sale a year early due to high anticipation.

Trailer Highlights and Key Scenes

The trailer for The Odyssey begins at the burial site of numerous soldiers, setting a tone of loss and determination. Matt Damon's Odysseus, the legendary Greek king of Ithaca, provides narration emphasizing the drive to return home after prolonged conflict.

Viewers see Tom Holland portraying Telemachus, Odysseus's son, who shows resolve in searching for his absent father. Anne Hathaway appears as Penelope, the devoted wife, observing with evident concern.

Iconic Moments from the Epic

One standout sequence depicts Trojan soldiers pulling the famed Trojan Horse from the sea. Inside the structure, Damon and his comrades conceal themselves in tense silence. A soldier wounded by a penetrating sword endures without sound, restrained by his urgent allies.

The trailer shifts to mythical elements, revealing a brief view of a massive humanoid figure—possibly the Cyclops—entering a cave occupied by soldiers. Later, figures resembling the undead emerge directly from the earth, heightening the supernatural atmosphere.

A traditional stormy sail scene unfolds, with a crew member swept overboard amid turbulent waves. The preview concludes on an emotional note, as Penelope urges Odysseus to vow his return, met with his hesitant reply questioning his ability to do so.

after years of war, nothing can stand between his men and home.
— Matt Damon as Odysseus

Cast and Character Breakdown

The Odyssey boasts an ensemble cast led by Matt Damon in the central role of Odysseus. Tom Holland takes on Telemachus, embodying the young heir's quest for his father.

Anne Hathaway brings depth to Penelope, the steadfast queen awaiting her husband's homecoming. The film also features Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong’o, Zendaya, and Charlize Theron in supporting roles, contributing to the epic's layered narrative.

Roles Rooted in Homer's Saga

  • Odysseus: The cunning king navigating perils to reach Ithaca.
  • Telemachus: The son driven to uncover his father's fate.
  • Penelope: The loyal wife facing uncertainty and suitors.

These portrayals draw directly from Homer’s timeless tale, blending historical warfare with fantastical trials. The cast's chemistry promises to elevate the emotional stakes of family reunion and heroic endurance.

Production and Technical Innovations

Directed and written by Christopher Nolan, The Odyssey marks his 13th directorial effort. Previous works include Following, Memento, Insomnia, The Prestige, Inception, Interstellar, the Dark Knight Trilogy, Dunkirk, Tenet, and Oppenheimer.

The production spans global locations, capturing the saga's vast scope. Filming employs brand-new IMAX film technology, enhancing the visual grandeur of battles and mythical encounters.

Behind-the-Scenes Insights

During production, Tom Holland demonstrated enthusiasm by contacting Sony Pictures head Tom Rothman. He secured a screening of the classic Lawrence of Arabia in pristine 70mm print for the cast, lasting the full four hours on a Sunday.

This gesture underscores the team's dedication to epic filmmaking traditions. Sony Pictures handles distribution, aligning with Nolan's history of high-profile collaborations.

  • Filmed across the world for authenticity.
  • Utilizes advanced IMAX for immersive viewing.
  • Inspired by historical epics like Lawrence of Arabia.

Anticipation and Legacy

Excitement for The Odyssey mirrors the fervor surrounding Nolan's recent success with Oppenheimer. That biopic, starring Cillian Murphy, generated $975 million at the box office and secured Best Picture at the Oscars, fueling the Barbenheimer cultural moment.

Due to overwhelming interest, a limited batch of tickets became available in the summer, fully a year before the July 17, 2026 premiere. This early access highlights Nolan's status as a premier modern director.

Building on Nolan's Track Record

The Odyssey positions itself for strong performance, leveraging Nolan's reputation for intellectually engaging, visually stunning narratives. The trailer's mythic action elements suggest a blend of historical drama and fantasy that could captivate audiences worldwide.

In conclusion, The Odyssey represents a bold evolution in Nolan's oeuvre, transforming an ancient epic into a contemporary spectacle. With its powerhouse cast, innovative technology, and proven directorial vision, the film arrives poised to redefine cinematic storytelling and draw theatergoers eager for another Nolan masterpiece.

"what if I can't?"

— Odysseus (Matt Damon)

"Tom Holland, because he’s Spider-Man and he’s everybody’s favourite at that studio, called [Sony Pictures boss Tom] Rothman and he arranged for us to screen it on a Sunday, the full four hours."

— Matt Damon, Actor

Frequently Asked Questions

Who are the main stars in Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey?

The film stars Matt Damon as Odysseus, Tom Holland as Telemachus, Anne Hathaway as Penelope, along with Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong’o, Zendaya, and Charlize Theron.

When is The Odyssey scheduled for release?

The Odyssey is set to release on July 17, 2026, with tickets available a year in advance.

What technology is used in filming The Odyssey?

The film is shot across the world using brand new IMAX film technology to capture its mythic action epic scope.