New ‘The Odyssey’ images show Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway, Tom Holland as family divided (exclusive)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/THE-ODYSSEY-121525-02-24d6f80fc59d496b8d4d57111f4aaff4.jpg "New ‘The Odyssey’ images show Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway, Tom Holland as family divided (exclusive)")
Nolan Sets Ambitious Course for Epic ‘Odyssey’ Adaptation
Christopher Nolan, the acclaimed director behind cinematic triumphs like Oppenheimer and the Dark Knight trilogy, is embarking on his most expansive project yet: an adaptation of Homer’s ancient Greek epic, The Odyssey. The film, announced with a wave of anticipation, promises a visually stunning and emotionally resonant retelling of the legendary tale, leveraging cutting-edge IMAX film technology.
A Stellar Cast Navigates Mythic Waters
Nolan has assembled a remarkable ensemble cast to bring the world of Odysseus to life. Matt Damon will embody the cunning king of Ithaca, charting his arduous ten-year journey home after the Trojan War. He’s not alone. The project marks a reunion with Anne Hathaway, who previously collaborated with Nolan on The Dark Knight Rises and Interstellar, portraying Odysseus’s steadfast wife, Penelope. Tom Holland steps into the role of Telemachus, their son, grappling with his father’s prolonged absence and the mounting pressures from suitors vying for his mother’s hand and the throne.
The supporting cast is equally impressive, boasting names like Robert Pattinson as Antinous, Zendaya, Lupita Nyong’o, Elliot Page, Charlize Theron, Jon Bernthal, and Himesh Patel, each poised to inhabit the complex characters that populate Homer’s world. Early glimpses suggest Bernthal will portray a figure connected to the aftermath of the Trojan War, hinting at a nuanced exploration of its lingering consequences.
Nolan’s Vision: A Modern Epic Rooted in Ancient Lore
Nolan’s decision to tackle The Odyssey is particularly noteworthy given the sheer scale and enduring influence of the source material. Written around the 8th century BC, the epic poem is considered a cornerstone of Western literature, shaping narratives and themes for millennia. Its exploration of themes like homecoming, perseverance, and the human condition continue to resonate deeply with audiences today.
Universal Pictures has described the film as a “mythic action epic,” emphasizing its ambition and scope. The production is utilizing brand new IMAX film technology, promising an immersive cinematic experience. Footage previewed during select IMAX screenings this summer – including showings of Jurassic World Rebirth and Superman – offered tantalizing glimpses of Odysseus, Telemachus, and the iconic Trojan Horse, generating significant buzz among film enthusiasts. One particularly striking scene featured a dialogue between Telemachus and a shadowy figure, potentially Menelaus, revealing a poignant plea for information about Odysseus’s fate: “I have to find out what happened to my father. When did you last see him?”
The Enduring Power of Storytelling in a Fragmented World
The resurgence of interest in classical mythology within contemporary cinema speaks to a broader cultural trend. In an era marked by rapid technological change and increasing social fragmentation, audiences are increasingly drawn to stories that offer a sense of shared history and universal truths. According to a United Nations report on cultural heritage, preserving and promoting cultural narratives is crucial for fostering social cohesion and understanding. The report highlights that cultural heritage, including stories like The Odyssey, contributes to a sense of identity and belonging, particularly vital in a world where approximately 79.5 million people are forcibly displaced globally as of late 2023 (UNHCR data).
Nolan’s involvement further elevates the project’s significance. Known for his meticulous attention to detail, complex narratives, and groundbreaking visual effects, the director has consistently pushed the boundaries of cinematic storytelling. His commitment to practical effects and immersive experiences suggests that The Odyssey will be a truly unique and unforgettable cinematic event.
The Odyssey is slated for release on July 17, 2026. The film promises not only a thrilling adventure but also a profound exploration of the human spirit, reminding us of the enduring power of stories to connect us across time and cultures.
“The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.” – Marcel Proust
ARTICOL ORIGINAL:
Christopher Nolan isn’t one for telling small stories — and his next one is no exception. In fact, it’s an epic.
The Oppenheimer Oscar-winner is tackling one of the most expansive stories ever written: Homer’s The Odyssey, a work of Greek literature written around the 8th century BC. He’s reteaming with Matt Damon, who stars as Odysseus, king of Ithaca, on his 10-year trek home following the Trojan War, as seen in Entertainment Weekly‘s exclusive new images, along with Himesh Patel‘s Eurylochus (above).
That journey isn’t an easy one: Along the way, he encounters mythical creatures, including the cyclops Polyphemus, as well as the seduce-to-death-by-song Sirens, and the witch Circe, who infamously turned Odysseus’ men into pigs.
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Melinda Sue Gordon/Universal
The movie is also a reunion for Nolan and Anne Hathaway, who played Selina Kyle/Catwoman in 2012’s The Dark Knight Rises, and Dr. Brand in Interstellar. Here, she plays Odysseus’ wife, Penelope, who’s been holding off potential suitors, all of whom want her hand (and crown) in marriage. Tom Holland plays their son, Telemachus, who, in Homer’s original literature, eventually leaves Ithaca to seek information about his father’s whereabouts and fate.
In addition to Damon, Hathaway, Holland, and Patel, The Odyssey also stars Robert Pattinson, seen in an exclusive image below as Antinous, as well as Zendaya, Lupita Nyong’o, Elliot Page, Charlize Theron, Jon Bernthal, Benny Safdie, John Leguizamo, Bill Irwin, Samantha Morton, Jesse Garcia, and Will Yun Lee.
Universal Pictures has described the movie as “a mythic action epic shot across the world using brand new IMAX film technology.” Nolan can be seen directing the movie alongside that IMAX camera below.
Melinda Sue Gordon/Universal
Melinda Sue Gordon/Universal
Audiences who saw select movies this summer and fall in IMAX — including Jurassic World Rebirth, Superman, The Fantastic Four: First Steps, and One Battle After Another — got a sneak peek at footage from the movie, which included flashes of Odysseus, Telemachus, and a shadowy figure played by Bernthal (perhaps Agamemnon’s brother, Menelaus?), who’s heard telling Telemachus, “I know nothing of Odysseus, not since Troy.”
Telemachus pleads, “I have to find out what happened to my father. When did you last see him?”
There are also two shots of the iconic Trojan Horse: one that casts a shadow on the beach, and the other partially submerged in water.
And a prologue to the film played this weekend with IMAX 70mm screenings of Sinners and One Battle After Another, showing Odysseus and his men hiding inside that Trojan Horse just before the start of the Battle of Troy.
Melinda Sue Gordon/Universal
In addition to directing, Nolan also wrote the script (surely no easy task, considering Homer’s Odyssey was comprised of 24 books) and is producing with his wife, Emma Thomas.
The Odyssey hits theaters July 17, 2026.