View the Director's This Epic Preview in a Manner It Wasn't Meant to Be Seen.
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 films of 2026. In a festive surprise, a preview has now been released, though it's hampered due to the platform's low-quality encoding—perhaps explaining why Nolan initially kept the preview exclusive to cinemas.
The Initial Look at the Legendary Cast
The debut footage showcases Matt Damon portraying the king of Ithaca. Audiences are introduced to Tom Holland playing the son alongside Anne Hathaway as Penelope. During an emotional scene, Penelope asks Odysseus to promise his safe homecoming, only for him to respond by asking what occurs should he fail. The trailer also offers a quick, obscured look of the mythical one-eyed giant, whose flock are taken by the hero and his men on their treacherous voyage.
Adapted from a foundational pillar of Western literature, The Odyssey chronicles the epic journey undertaken by the famed ruler. After his triumph in the Trojan War, which is depicted in Homer's Iliad, Odysseus endures a long and perilous road home.
Mythical Encounters with an All-Star Cast
On his travels, the hero encounters countless challenges and mythical beings. This roster features the witch-goddess Circe, known for turning humans into pigs, as well as the treacherous Sirens. Regardless of these ordeals, Odysseus vows to overcome anything to reunite with his wife and son in Ithaca.
The adaptation's cast is remarkably star-studded. Alongside the leading trio is Charlize Theron as the cunning Circe, alongside Zendaya, Lupita Nyong'o, Robert Pattinson, Elliot Page, and Jon Bernthal.
A Story Repeatedly Told
The classic poem has seen numerous adaptations over the years. Examples include modern retellings and a late-90s dance production. It has even been adapted into a musical titled Epic: The Musical, presented as a multi-part album series.
A full-length preview was long awaited since the film's announcement and a brief teaser that previously played exclusively in theaters. That footage later made its way onto the internet soon after.
For a superior viewing experience, the trailer posted on the film's official social channel may provide a better, clearer look.
The Odyssey will debut on global IMAX screens on July 17, 2026.
