In this first “Odysseason” panel, a group of classics scholars discuss Christopher Nolan’s new “Odyssey” film as a modern reinterpretation rather than Homer, focusing on war trauma in Odysseus, parallels to Bronze Age collapse, and a rules-based order undermined from within, including a reveal that the feared invaders are the Greeks. Participants critique the film’s heavy-handedness, reduced meta-storytelling, altered roles of gods (largely absent), and major omissions (e.g., Nestor, Phaeacians), while noting changes such as the Trojan horse being recast as a source of guilt and an allegory for technology in warfare. They debate audience reception across generations, rewatch value, and how adaptations shape popular views. The discussion turns to ethical and political responsibilities around diverse casting, portrayal of Helen, filming in Western Sahara, IMAX exclusivity, and limited Greek participation and promotion.
Originally recorded August 12, 2026.
Panelists:
Dr. Joel Christensen (Prof of Classics, CUNY - Graduate Center)
https://www.gc.cuny.edu/people/joel-p-christensen
Dr. Curtis Dozier (Prof of Greek and Roman Studies, Vassar College)
https://www.vassar.edu/faculty/cudozier
Dr. Suzanne Lye (Prof of Classics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill)
https://classics.unc.edu/people-3/faculty-2-2/suzanne-lye/
Dr. Richard Cole (Lecturer in Classics/Digital Futures, University of Bristol)
https://www.bristol.ac.uk/people/person/Richard-Cole-a6cef367-12cb-4fce-841d-3fbd60f5fbc6/
Aristotle Koskinas (Archaeologist, re-enactor, and official Greek tourist guide)
https://aristotleguide.wordpress.com/about/
Lexie Henning (University of Bristol Classics PhD student, host and moderator)
https://www.bristol.ac.uk/people/person/Lexie-Henning-771d72b2-fe81-48e0-94b1-a3135ee2a618/
Want more Odyssey material? Check out The Oxford Critical Guide to Homer’s Odyssey (which was edited by Joel Christensen): https://global.oup.com/academic/product/the-oxford-critical-guide-to-homers-odyssey-9780198985099?cc=gb&lang=en&
Check out an article where Suzanne talks about the ancient concept of Xenia: https://www.elle.com/culture/movies-tv/a73170278/the-odyssey-movie-zeus-law-explained/
Check out The White Pedestal (by Curtis Dozier) as a companion to thinking about Nolan’s Odyssey and Homer in 2026: https://yalebooks.co.uk/book/9780300272734/the-white-pedestal/
Custom music by Brent Arehart of Arehart Sounds and edited by Dan Maday.
Want a transcript of the episode? Email us at theozymandiasprojectpodcast@gmail.com and we can provide one.
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