Watch Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey Preview the Way It Was Never Intended for Viewing.
The acclaimed filmmaker's legendary action saga, The Odyssey, is a film we've been eagerly awaiting 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 by YouTube's poor compression—maybe illustrating why Nolan initially kept the preview exclusive to cinemas.
The Initial Look of the Stellar Ensemble
This first look reveals Matt Damon in the role of Odysseus. We also see Tom Holland as Telemachus and Anne Hathaway depicting the loyal wife. During an emotional scene, the character pleads with her husband to vow he will return, to which he look up and question what happens if he cannot. The trailer also offers a quick, obscured look of the mythical one-eyed giant, whose flock Odysseus and his crew steal during their arduous journey.
Based upon a foundational pillar in classic storytelling, The Odyssey follows the lengthy quest undertaken by the famed ruler. Following his victory at Troy, as told in Homer's Iliad, Odysseus endures a long and perilous return to his homeland.
Mythical Encounters with an All-Star Cast
Along his path, the hero encounters countless challenges and legendary creatures. This roster features the witch-goddess Circe, who transforms men into swine, and the deceptive Sirens. Regardless of these ordeals, his sworn oath is 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 is Charlize Theron portraying the shrewd goddess, alongside Zendaya, Lupita Nyong'o, Robert Pattinson, Elliot Page, and Jon Bernthal.
A Story Repeatedly Told
The classic poem has inspired many reinterpretations throughout history. Examples include modern retellings to a 1999 ballet. There has even been adapted into a musical titled Epic: The Musical, presented as a multi-part album series.
The official trailer 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 online shortly thereafter.
To see a clearer version, the trailer posted on the movie's verified account might deliver a better, clearer look.
The Odyssey will debut in IMAX theaters worldwide on July 17, 2026.
