Christopher Nolan has ventured into epic drama territory with The Odyssey, his adaptation of Homer's classic Greek epic The Odyssey. The Odyssey trailer, released on Monday evening, offers a restrained yet striking glimpse into the filmmaker's vision. Shot entirely on IMAX film cameras, the 2026 release is already being positioned as one of Nolan's most ambitious projects.
The brief trailer focuses on the atmosphere and scale rather than the plot, setting the tone for the sweeping mythological journey.
The Odyssey Trailer Focuses on Practical Filmmaking & Mystery
True to Nolan's style, The Odyssey trailer is light on dialogue and heavy on visuals. It opens at the end of the Trojan War, with Odysseus longing to return home to Ithaca and facing the dangers that follow.
The visuals are both intimate and colossal, showcasing natural landscapes, stormy seas, and rugged terrain. Nolan avoids heavy green-screen usage, opting instead for real locations and practical filmmaking. This approach gives The Odyssey the feel of an old-school historical epic, where CGI is used to enhance realism.
The trailer avoids overexposure, teasing mythical elements without fully revealing. Legendary figures and creatures are hinted at rather than shown, maintaining intrigue and authenticity to the film's scale and setting.
Matt Damon Leads Nolan's Ensemble Cast in The Odyssey
Matt Damon stars as Odysseus, marking his fourth collaboration with Christopher Nolan after The Departed, Interstellar, and Oppenheimer. The Trailer keeps Damon at its center while briefly spotlighting other key characters, including Tom Holland as Telemachus and Anne Hathaway as Penelope.
The ensemble cast also includes Zendaya, Mia Goth, Lupita Nyong'o, Robert Pattinson, Charlie Theron, Jon Bernthal, and Benny Safdie. Written and directed by Nolan and produced alongside Emma Thomas under Syncopy, The Odyssey is set for a 17 July 2026 theatrical release.
With its restrained trailer, mythological scope, and IMAX-first approach, The Odyssey is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated films of 2026.
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