Christopher Nolan’s ‘The Odyssey’ Trailer Gets First Description

Christopher Nolan is bringing Homer’s ancient Greek epic, The Odyssey, to the big screen in a bold new film. The story follows Odysseus, played by Matt Damon, a king navigating a treacherous journey home after the Trojan War. This marks Nolan’s first project since his acclaimed film Oppenheimer, and it promises to be a gripping, emotional tale.

The film, produced by Nolan’s Syncopy and distributed by Universal Pictures, boasts a star-studded cast. Alongside Damon, it features Tom Holland as Telemachus, Odysseus’s son, with Anne Hathaway, Zendaya, Lupita Nyong’o, Robert Pattinson, Charlize Theron, and Jon Bernthal rounding out the ensemble. Damon, a frequent Nolan collaborator from Interstellar and Oppenheimer, takes on the lead role of the weary hero.

A leaked trailer description, shared by industry insider Daniel Richtman, offers a glimpse into the film’s tone. It opens with sweeping shots of turbulent seas, hinting at the perilous voyage ahead. Damon’s voiceover sets a somber mood, referencing divine forces like Zeus. The visuals shift to Holland’s Telemachus, who is desperate for news of his long-lost father. Bernthal’s character, in a tense exchange, dismisses rumors about Odysseus’s fate, hinting at the mystery surrounding the king’s whereabouts. The trailer closes with a haunting image of Damon alone, adrift on a shattered ship, accompanied by a chilling score.

Filming began in early 2025 across stunning locations, including Greece, Italy, Iceland, Morocco, Los Angeles, the UK, Ireland, and Scotland. With a reported budget of $250 million, it’s Nolan’s most expensive project to date. The film is also groundbreaking for being the first major blockbuster shot entirely on IMAX film cameras, promising breathtaking visuals. Costume designer Ellen Mirojnick, who worked on Oppenheimer, is crafting the film’s look, though some fans have noted minor inaccuracies in Odysseus’s armor. The score, composed by Ludwig Göransson, is expected to amplify the story’s dark, emotional weight.

Nolan, once rumored to be developing a film about the Trojan War, chose instead to focus on Odysseus’s personal odyssey. The film is slated for release on July 17, 2026, and with its massive scope and Nolan’s visionary direction, it’s already generating buzz as a must-see cinematic event.

This film feels like a bold step for Nolan, blending his knack for intense, character-driven stories with the timeless drama of Greek mythology. The cast and IMAX visuals promise something unforgettable, but I wonder if the massive budget and historical setting will connect with modern audiences. What do you think about Nolan tackling The Odyssey? Share your thoughts in the comments below!