Christopher Nolan is once again redefining cinematic ambition. The visionary filmmaker behind Oppenheimer, Inception, and Dunkirk is officially bringing Homer’s epic poem The Odyssey to the big screen in what is shaping up to be one of the most immersive action films of 2026. Shot entirely with IMAX 70mm cameras and backed by the largest budget of Nolan’s career, the project aims to give ancient mythology a modern cinematic weight rarely seen at this scale.
Led by Matt Damon in the role of Odysseus, the film follows the legendary king of Ithaca as he embarks on a perilous journey home after the Trojan War. The first trailer teases a visually arresting voyage across treacherous seas, where survival hinges on wit, resilience, and the will to reunite with his wife, Penelope. Along the way, Odysseus encounters sirens, gods, and mythic forces that test both his humanity and heroism. All core elements that have made The Odyssey one of the most enduring stories in literary history.
The Backstory Behind The Forthcoming Film
Nolan has described the film as a storytelling culmination, stating in a November 2025 interview with Empire that The Odyssey “truly contains all stories”. For the director, the project fills a long-standing gap in cinematic culture bringing classical mythology to life with the scale, realism, and credibility of a modern A-budget IMAX production. Drawing inspiration from the mythological films of his youth, Nolan is determined to elevate the genre beyond spectacle and into grounded, emotionally resonant storytelling.
The film’s ensemble cast further amplifies its epic scope. Anne Hathaway stars as Penelope, embodying patience and resolve as Odysseus’ steadfast wife, while Tom Holland plays Telemachus, their son, coming of age amid uncertainty and loss. Robert Pattinson appears as Antinous, one of Penelope’s relentless suitors, while Zendaya takes on the role of the goddess Athena, Odysseus’ divine protector. Charlize Theron rounds out the mythic core as Circe, the powerful witch-goddess whose encounter with Odysseus is one of the tale’s most iconic moments.
Supporting performances from Jon Bernthal, Benny Safdie, John Leguizamo, Himesh Patel, Mia Goth, Will Yun Lee, and Bill Irwin complete a cast that blends blockbuster star power with dramatic range—hallmarks of Nolan’s most ambitious works.
When Does The Odyssey Release?
Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey is set to arrive in theaters on July 17th, 2026, positioning itself as a major summer event film. With its IMAX-first approach, mythological grandeur, and A-list ensemble, the film is poised to transform a foundational literary epic into a visceral cinematic experience—one designed not just to be watched, but felt.
As Nolan once again pushes the boundaries of scale and storytelling, The Odyssey stands as a bold reminder that even the oldest stories can feel entirely new when told through the right lens.