Watch Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey Preview in a Manner It Was Never Intended for Viewing.
The acclaimed filmmaker's mythic action epic, The Odyssey, stands as a movie audiences have been anticipating since its announcement. It firmly sits among the most hotly anticipated films of 2026. As a pre-Christmas treat, a trailer has finally arrived, though it's hampered due to the platform's low-quality encoding—perhaps explaining why Nolan initially kept the trailer solely for theatrical audiences.
The Initial Look at the Legendary Cast
This first look showcases Matt Damon portraying Odysseus. We also see Tom Holland playing the son and Anne Hathaway as Penelope. In a poignant moment, the character pleads with Odysseus to promise he will return, to which he respond by asking what happens if he cannot. Furthermore, the preview provides a quick, obscured look of the mythical one-eyed giant, whose flock are taken by the hero and his men during their arduous journey.
Adapted from a foundational pillar of Western literature, The Odyssey chronicles the lengthy quest of the legendary King of Ithaca. After his triumph in the Trojan War, which is depicted in Homer's Iliad, the king faces a long and perilous road home.
Mythical Encounters with an All-Star Cast
Along his path, the hero encounters numerous obstacles and mythical beings. These include the enchantress Circe, who transforms men into swine, as well as the treacherous Sirens. Regardless of these ordeals, Odysseus vows to do whatever it takes to get back to Penelope and Telemachus in Ithaca.
The adaptation's cast boasts an impressive lineup. Joining Damon, Holland, and Hathaway is Charlize Theron as the cunning Circe, alongside Zendaya, Lupita Nyong'o, Robert Pattinson, Elliot Page, and Jon Bernthal.
A Tale of Many Adaptations
Homer's epic has seen many reinterpretations throughout history. Examples include contemporary versions and a late-90s dance production. There has even been adapted into a musical titled Epic: The Musical, presented as a nine-album collection.
A full-length preview was long awaited since the film's announcement and a short teaser clip which was initially shown exclusively in theaters. That footage subsequently found its way online shortly thereafter.
To see a clearer version, the preview available via 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.
