Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey First Look Reveals Epic Cast and Record-Breaking Shoot

Christopher Nolan’s next cinematic project, The Odyssey, has released its first official look. The film adapts Homer’s ancient Greek epic poem for a modern audience. It features an all-star cast led by Matt Damon.

The first images were revealed in an exclusive with Empire magazine. The film chronicles the decade-long journey of the hero Odysseus after the Trojan War. It is scheduled for a global theatrical release on July 17, 2026.

A Glimpse at the Legendary Characters

Matt Damon takes on the central role of Odysseus. The images show the hero in a weathered state, reflecting his long and arduous journey home to Ithaca.

Tom Holland appears as Telemachus, the son of Odysseus. Holland is depicted in armor, showcasing a more serious and determined character than his previous roles.

Anne Hathaway plays Penelope, the faithful wife of Odysseus. She is shown holding a bow, gazing into the distance. Mia Goth appears as Melantho, one of Penelope’s maids, standing behind her in simpler attire.

An Unprecedented Filmmaking Endeavor

Director Christopher Nolan has undertaken one of his most ambitious shoots to date. According to reports from Variety, the production shot over two million feet of film. This massive amount of footage highlights the project’s immense scale.

Nolan filmed entirely on IMAX cameras. He explained to Empire that the experience was “pretty primal.” The crew shot in real locations, including open seas, to authentically capture the perilous nature of the ancient journey.

This approach aimed to show how hard these historical voyages truly were. The director wanted to convey the “leap of faith” made in an uncharted world.

The first look at Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey promises a visually stunning and epic adaptation. This film is poised to be a major cinematic event upon its release in 2026.

Info at your fingertips

When is The Odyssey’s release date?

The film is scheduled to be released in theaters on July 17, 2026. This gives Nolan and his team ample time for post-production on the vast amount of footage.

Who plays Odysseus in the film?

Matt Damon portrays the Greek hero Odysseus. He leads the ensemble cast in this massive production.

What roles do Anne Hathaway and Tom Holland play?

Anne Hathaway plays Penelope, the wife of Odysseus. Tom Holland plays their son, Telemachus.

How much film did Nolan shoot for the project?

The production shot over two million feet of IMAX film. This is one of the largest amounts of physical film ever used for a single movie.

Is this Nolan’s first film since Oppenheimer?

Yes, The Odyssey is Christopher Nolan’s first directorial project following his Oscar-winning work on Oppenheimer. It will be his 13th feature film.