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 we've been eagerly awaiting since its announcement. It firmly sits as one of the most awaited 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.
A First Glimpse of the Stellar Ensemble
This first look reveals Matt Damon portraying Odysseus. We also see Tom Holland playing the son and Anne Hathaway as Penelope. During an emotional scene, Penelope asks her husband to vow his safe homecoming, to which he respond by asking what occurs should he fail. The trailer also offers a brief, shadowy glimpse of the mythical one-eyed giant, from whom sheep are are taken by the hero and his men during their arduous journey.
Adapted from a cornerstone in classic storytelling, The Odyssey chronicles the lengthy quest of the legendary King of Ithaca. Following his victory in the Trojan War, which is depicted within the companion epic, Odysseus endures a long and perilous road home.
Legendary Obstacles with an All-Star Cast
Along his path, the hero encounters numerous obstacles and legendary creatures. This roster features the witch-goddess Circe, who transforms men into swine, as well as the treacherous Sirens. Despite these trials, his sworn oath is to do whatever it takes to get back to his wife and son in Ithaca.
This film's ensemble is remarkably star-studded. Joining Damon, Holland, and Hathaway are Charlize Theron portraying the shrewd goddess, together with Zendaya, Lupita Nyong'o, Robert Pattinson, Elliot Page, and Jon Bernthal.
A Tale of Many Adaptations
Homer's epic has inspired many reinterpretations over the years. Examples include modern retellings to a 1999 ballet. It has even been adapted into a musical called Epic: The Musical, presented as a nine-album collection.
A full-length preview has been highly anticipated following the project's reveal and a brief teaser which was initially shown exclusively in theaters. That teaser later made its way online soon after.
To see a clearer version, the trailer posted on the film's official social channel may provide a better, clearer look.
The Odyssey is scheduled for release on global IMAX screens on July 17, 2026.
