See Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey Trailer the Way It Wasn't Meant for Viewing.
The acclaimed filmmaker's mythic action epic, The Odyssey, stands as a movie audiences have been anticipating ever since it was revealed. It firmly sits among the most hotly anticipated films of 2026. 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 trailer solely for theatrical audiences.
The Initial Look of the Stellar Ensemble
The debut footage showcases Matt Damon portraying Odysseus. We also see Tom Holland playing the son alongside Anne Hathaway depicting the loyal wife. During an emotional scene, Penelope asks her husband to vow he will return, to which he look up and question what occurs should he fail. The trailer also offers a quick, obscured look at Polyphemus the Cyclops, whose flock are taken by the hero and his men during their arduous journey.
Adapted from a cornerstone in classic storytelling, The Odyssey follows the lengthy quest of the legendary King of Ithaca. After his triumph at Troy, which is depicted within the companion epic, Odysseus endures a long and perilous return to his homeland.
Mythical Encounters with an All-Star Cast
On his travels, Odysseus confronts numerous obstacles and legendary creatures. These include the enchantress Circe, who transforms men into swine, and the deceptive Sirens. Regardless of these ordeals, Odysseus vows to do whatever it takes to get back to his wife and son in Ithaca.
The adaptation's cast is remarkably star-studded. Joining Damon, Holland, and Hathaway are Charlize Theron portraying the shrewd goddess, alongside Zendaya, Lupita Nyong'o, Robert Pattinson, Elliot Page, and Jon Bernthal.
A Tale of Many Adaptations
The classic poem has seen many reinterpretations throughout history. Examples include contemporary versions to a 1999 ballet. There has even been a stage musical adaptation titled Epic: The Musical, presented as a multi-part album series.
A full-length preview has been highly anticipated following the project's reveal and a brief teaser that previously played exclusively in theaters. That teaser later made its way online soon after.
To see a clearer version, the preview available via the film's official social channel might deliver enhanced visual quality.
The Odyssey will debut on global IMAX screens on July 17, 2026.
