Well known filmmaker Christopher Nolan is back with an exciting new project. It is a visually grand retelling of the Greek epic, The Odyssey.
What Is The Odyssey About
You have probably heard of The Odyssey, right? It is an old Greek story, super famous, written by this guy Homer ages ago. Well, the film is based on that. It is about this king named Odysseus from a place called Ithaca who just wants to go home after this huge war — the Trojan War. But nothing goes as planned.
The guy runs into all sorts of wild stuff. A giant one-eyed monster called Polyphemus? Then there are these creatures called Sirens who sing so beautifully, they can literally lure ships to crash. And don’t forget Circe, a powerful woman who can use magic — she turns men into animals.
Odysseus goes through all of this pain, temptation, danger — just trying to get back to his wife, Penelope. And she’s been waiting all those years, not giving up. In the end, after everything, he makes it. He comes home. It’s not just an adventure — it’s really a story about holding on, staying strong and making it back to the people who matter.
Cast of The Odyssey (2026)
| Actor | Role |
| Matt Damon | Odysseus |
| Tom Holland | Telemachus (Odysseus’ son) |
| Charlize Theron | Circe |
| Zendaya | Key Supporting Role |
| Anne Hathaway | Key Supporting Role |
| Robert Pattinson | Key Supporting Role |
| Lupita Nyong’o | Key Supporting Role |
| Jon Bernthal | Ensemble Cast |
| Elliot Page | Ensemble Cast |
| Mia Goth | Ensemble Cast |
| Corey Hawkins | Ensemble Cast |
| John Leguizamo | Ensemble Cast |
Production Journey of The Odyssey
After the success of Oppenheimer (2023), Nolan teamed up again with Universal Pictures to develop this project. News about the film started surfacing in late 2024 and by December that year, it was officially announced as The Odyssey. Filming began in February 2025 and is expected to continue into mid-2025 across multiple countries.
This is the first ever major film to be shot entirely on IMAX film cameras. The cinematography is handled by Hoyte van Hoytema who has worked with Nolan on multiple films before.
The production has a massive budget of $250 million making it Nolan’s most expensive movie yet.
Filming Locations of The Odyssey (2026)
| Country | Locations |
| Morocco | Aït Benhaddou – opening scenes shot here |
| Greece | Pylos, Methoni Castle, Voidokilia Beach, Nestor’s Cave |
| Italy | Aeolian Islands, Favignana – mentioned in the original poem |
| United States | Studio filming in Los Angeles |
| Iceland | Natural landscapes used for mythological settings |
| Scotland | Outdoor scenes filmed in scenic locations |
| United Kingdom | Additional filming at various historic and rural sites |
| Ireland | Confirmed as one of the production destinations |
Music and Costumes of The Odyssey
The music is being composed by Ludwig Göransson who previously worked with Nolan on Oppenheimer. The costume design is by Ellen Mirojnick. While the first promotional image of Matt Damon in armor as Odysseus created buzz online. Some historians pointed out that the design was not completely historically accurate but it still looks cinematic and dramatic.
Marketing of The Odyssey
A teaser trailer for The Odyssey premiered in July 2025. It was shown exclusively in theaters before Jurassic World: Rebirth. Although the trailer was later leaked online and fans got a thrilling first look at Nolan’s mythic world.
Release Date of The Odyssey
Universal Pictures will release The Odyssey in cinemas across the United States and internationally on July 17, 2026.
