View Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey 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. As a pre-Christmas treat, 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 trailer solely for theatrical audiences.
A First Glimpse of the Stellar Ensemble
The debut footage reveals Matt Damon in the role of Odysseus. We also see Tom Holland as Telemachus and Anne Hathaway as Penelope. During an emotional scene, Penelope asks her husband to vow his safe homecoming, only for him to respond by asking what happens if he cannot. The trailer also offers a quick, obscured look of the mythical one-eyed giant, from whom sheep are Odysseus and his crew steal on their treacherous voyage.
Adapted from a foundational pillar of Western literature, The Odyssey chronicles the lengthy quest of the legendary King of Ithaca. After his triumph at Troy, as told in Homer's Iliad, Odysseus endures an extended and hazardous road home.
Legendary Obstacles with an All-Star Cast
On his travels, the hero encounters countless challenges and legendary creatures. This roster features the witch-goddess Circe, known for turning humans into pigs, and the deceptive Sirens. Regardless of these ordeals, his sworn oath is to do whatever it takes to get back to Penelope and Telemachus on his home island.
This film's ensemble is remarkably star-studded. Joining Damon, Holland, and Hathaway is Charlize Theron portraying the shrewd goddess, together with Zendaya, Lupita Nyong'o, Robert Pattinson, Elliot Page, and Jon Bernthal.
A Tale of Many Adaptations
The classic poem has inspired many reinterpretations throughout history. These range from modern retellings and a late-90s dance production. It has even been a stage musical adaptation titled Epic: The Musical, released in the form of a multi-part album series.
The official trailer has been highly anticipated since the film's announcement and a short teaser clip that previously played only on the big screen. That footage later made its way online shortly thereafter.
To see a clearer version, the trailer posted on the film's official social channel may provide enhanced visual quality.
The Odyssey is scheduled for release in IMAX theaters worldwide on July 17, 2026.
