The director’s next film brings Homer’s ancient Greek epic to IMAX.

Everything we know about Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey: Release date, trailer, and more

The director's next film brings Homer's ancient Greek epic to IMAX.

By Allison DeGrushe

Allison DeGrushe

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December 23, 2025 10:35 a.m. ET

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Matt Damon as Odysseus in 'The Odyssey'. Credit:

Melinda Sue Gordon/Universal Pictures

- Christopher Nolan's *The Odyssey* is based on Homer's ancient Greek epic of the same name.

- Matt Damon leads the cast as Odysseus, starring alongside Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Jon Bernthal, and Lupita Nyong'o.

- *The Odyssey* arrives in theaters on July 17, 2026.**

Christopher Nolan's *Oppenheimer *won big-time at the 96th Academy Awards, but don't expect the visionary filmmaker to rest on his laurels.

In December 2024, Universal Pictures revealed Nolan's next film to be *The Odyssey*, a bold adaptation of Homer's ancient Greek epic. The work has inspired numerous film and TV adaptations over the years, including 2024's *The Return*.

Described by the studio as a "mythic action epic," the film will be shot entirely on large-format IMAX cameras to capture every battle, storm, and mythical creature in stunning detail.

Here's everything we know so far about the upcoming movie, from its release date to its A-list cast.

Is there a trailer for The Odyssey?

Trojan soldiers pull the Trojan Horse out of the sea in 'The Odyssey'.

Universal Pictures

On Monday, Dec. 22, Universal Pictures released the first official trailer for *The Odyssey*, giving us a peek at Matt Damon as Odysseus, the legendary king of Ithaca, on his long and dangerous journey home after the Trojan War.

"After years of war, no one could stand between my men and home," Odysseus narrates over shots of soldiers' burial sites. "Not even me."

The trailer goes full throttle on showcasing the action and mythology. We see a massive humanoid (likely the cyclops Polyphemus) lurking in a cave full of soldiers, undead clawing their way out of the ground, and stormy seas tossing Odysseus and his crew around like rag dolls, ultimately leaving them battered and shipwrecked.

Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway, Tom Holland are a family divided in new 'The Odyssey' images (exclusive)

Matt Damon revealed as Odysseus in first look at Christopher Nolan's 'The Odyssey'

And yes, there's a preview of the iconic Trojan Horse being dragged from the sea with Odysseus and his men hiding inside. When one soldier is cut by a sword, the others desperately force him to keep quiet. That's sure to be one of the film's most intense, edge-of-your-seat sequences.

We also get quick glimpses of Tom Holland as Odysseus' son, Telemachus, and Anne Hathaway as Odysseus' wife, Penelope.

The trailer ends on an emotional note, with Penelope pleading, "Promise me you will come back." Odysseus responds, "What if I can't?"

A short teaser for *The Odyssey* debuted exclusively in theaters back in July. The footage featured stormy seas, the infamous Trojan Horse, and a tense exchange between Holland's Telemachus and a shadowy figure played by Jon Bernthal about Odysseus's fate. The teaser closed with brief looks at Greek soldiers, dark caverns, and Odysseus adrift at sea on a piece of wood.

What is *The Odyssey *about?

Benny Safdie as Agamemnon and Matt Damon as Odysseus in 'The Odyssey'.

Universal Pictures

Based on Homer's legendary epic, one of the oldest surviving stories in literature, Nolan's *The Odyssey* tells the story of Odysseus, the king of Ithaca, as he fights to return home after the Trojan War.

What could've been a quick journey turns into a 10-year expedition filled with mythical creatures and near-death experiences involving a Cyclops, the mellifluous Sirens, and the witch-goddess Circe.

Back in Ithaca, Odysseus is presumed dead. His wife, Penelope, is fending off a horde of obnoxious suitors trying to take his throne, while their son, Telemachus, grows up wondering if his father is still alive.

Who’s in *The Odyssey *cast?

Tom Holland as Telemachus in 'The Odyssey'.

Universal Pictures

A better question might be: Who *isn't *in *The Odyssey *cast?

As mentioned, the film stars Damon as Odysseus, with Hathaway as his wife, Penelope, and Holland as their son, Telemachus. They star alongside Bernthal and Benny Safdie.

In an interview with *GQ*, Holland called the experience "the job of a lifetime," and hinted that audiences are in for something truly unique. "The best experience I've had on the film set. Incredible," he said. "It was exciting. It was different. And I think the movie is going to be unlike anything we've ever seen."

He went on to praise Nolan and his wife, producer Emma Thomas, saying, "To get a front row seat to that and to be a part of the process and to collaborate with a true master of his craft and learn from him was the best experience I've ever had."

Anne Hathaway as Penelope in 'The Odyssey'.

Universal Pictures

Holland also shared what it meant to work alongside his heroes, including Damon and Hathaway.

"To share scenes with them, to learn from them, to become friends with them, I couldn't have asked for a better job," he said. "And I'm so proud of the work I've done. I came to work every day with a real sense of purpose and a point to prove, and I'm so grateful for Chris to have given me that opportunity."

Like *Oppenheimer,* *The Odyssey *features a massive A-list ensemble packed with Oscar winners and box office titans.

Here's just a taste of the cast:

- Robert Pattinson

- Lupita Nyong'o

- Charlize Theron

- John Leguizamo

- Samantha Morton

When does The Odyssey come out?

Matt Damon as Odysseus in 'The Odyssey'.

Universal Pictures

*The Odyssey* will sail into theaters on July 17, 2026.

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