Watch the Director's The Odyssey Preview the Way It Wasn't Meant to Be Seen.
Christopher Nolan's legendary action saga, The Odyssey, is a film we've been eagerly awaiting since its announcement. It easily ranks as one of the most awaited motion pictures coming next year. As a pre-Christmas treat, a preview has now been released, even if it's compromised by YouTube's poor compression—maybe illustrating why Nolan initially kept the trailer solely for theatrical audiences.
The Initial Look at the Legendary Cast
The debut footage showcases Matt Damon in the role of Odysseus. We also see Tom Holland playing the son alongside Anne Hathaway as Penelope. In a poignant moment, 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 of the mythical one-eyed giant, from whom sheep are Odysseus and his crew steal during their arduous journey.
Adapted from a foundational pillar in classic storytelling, The Odyssey follows the lengthy quest undertaken by the famed ruler. After his triumph at Troy, as told in Homer's Iliad, the king faces an extended and hazardous road home.
Mythical Encounters and a Star-Studded Lineup
Along his path, Odysseus confronts countless challenges and legendary creatures. These include the witch-goddess Circe, known for turning humans into pigs, and the deceptive Sirens. Despite these trials, Odysseus vows to do whatever it takes to reunite with Penelope and Telemachus 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
Homer's epic has inspired numerous adaptations over the years. These range from modern retellings to a 1999 ballet. It 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 was long awaited following the project's reveal and a short teaser clip that previously played exclusively in theaters. That teaser subsequently found its way onto the internet soon after.
For a superior viewing experience, the trailer posted on the movie's verified account may provide enhanced visual quality.
The Odyssey is scheduled for release in IMAX theaters worldwide on July 17, 2026.