Watch Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey Preview the Way It Wasn't Meant for Viewing.
Christopher Nolan's legendary action saga, The Odyssey, is a film audiences have been anticipating ever since it was revealed. It easily ranks among the most hotly anticipated 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—maybe illustrating why Nolan initially kept the preview exclusive to cinemas.
A First Glimpse at the Legendary Cast
This first look reveals Matt Damon in the role of the king of Ithaca. Audiences are introduced to Tom Holland as Telemachus and Anne Hathaway as Penelope. During an emotional scene, the character pleads with her husband to vow his safe homecoming, only for him to look up and question what occurs should he fail. The trailer also offers a quick, obscured look of the mythical one-eyed giant, from whom sheep are are taken by the hero and his men on their treacherous voyage.
Adapted from a cornerstone in classic storytelling, The Odyssey chronicles the epic journey undertaken by the famed ruler. Following his victory at Troy, as told in Homer's Iliad, Odysseus endures an extended and hazardous return to his homeland.
Mythical Encounters and a Star-Studded Lineup
On his travels, Odysseus confronts countless challenges and mythical beings. This roster features the witch-goddess Circe, known for turning humans into pigs, as well as the treacherous Sirens. Despite these trials, his sworn oath is to do whatever it takes to reunite with his wife and son in Ithaca.
The adaptation's cast is remarkably star-studded. Joining Damon, Holland, and Hathaway are Charlize Theron as the cunning Circe, together with Zendaya, Lupita Nyong'o, Robert Pattinson, Elliot Page, and Jon Bernthal.
A Story Repeatedly Told
The classic poem has inspired many reinterpretations throughout history. These range from modern retellings and a late-90s dance production. There has even been a stage musical adaptation titled Epic: The Musical, released in the form of a multi-part album series.
A full-length preview has been highly anticipated following the project's reveal and a short teaser clip that previously played exclusively in theaters. That teaser subsequently found its way online soon after.
To see a clearer version, the trailer posted on the movie's verified account might deliver a better, clearer look.
The Odyssey will debut in IMAX theaters worldwide on July 17, 2026.
