Watch the Director's The Odyssey Trailer the Way It Wasn't Meant for Viewing.
Christopher Nolan's mythic action epic, The Odyssey, is a film audiences have been anticipating ever since it was revealed. It firmly sits among the most hotly anticipated motion pictures coming next year. In a festive surprise, a trailer has finally arrived, though it's hampered due to the platform's low-quality encoding—maybe illustrating why Nolan initially kept the preview exclusive to cinemas.
The Initial Look at the Legendary Cast
The debut footage showcases Matt Damon in the role of the king of Ithaca. Audiences are introduced to Tom Holland playing the son and Anne Hathaway depicting the loyal wife. In a poignant moment, the character pleads with her husband to vow he will return, only for him to look up and question what happens if he cannot. Furthermore, the preview provides a brief, shadowy glimpse at Polyphemus the Cyclops, from whom sheep are Odysseus and his crew steal during their arduous journey.
Based upon a cornerstone of Western literature, The Odyssey chronicles the lengthy quest of the legendary King of Ithaca. Following his victory in the Trojan War, as told in Homer's Iliad, Odysseus endures a long and perilous road home.
Mythical Encounters and a Star-Studded Lineup
On his travels, Odysseus confronts countless challenges and mythical beings. This roster features the witch-goddess Circe, known for turning humans into pigs, as well as the treacherous Sirens. Despite these trials, Odysseus vows to overcome anything to reunite with his wife and son on his home island.
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. Examples include modern retellings and a late-90s dance production. There has even been adapted into a musical called 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 footage later made its way onto the internet shortly thereafter.
To see a clearer version, the preview available via the film's official social channel might deliver enhanced visual quality.
The Odyssey will debut in IMAX theaters worldwide on July 17, 2026.
