The Odyssey is a 2026 epic fantasy action film written and directed by Christopher Nolan. An adaptation of Homer's ancient Greek epic poem the Odyssey, Matt Damon stars as Odysseus, the Greek king of Ithaca, and it chronicles his long and perilous journey home after the Trojan War and his encounters with mythical beings as he attempts to reunite with his wife, Penelope, portrayed by Anne Hathaway. The ensemble cast includes Tom Holland, Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong'o, Samantha Morton, Zendaya, and Charlize Theron. Nolan and his wife Emma Thomas produced the film through their production company, Syncopy.
Nolan began writing the script in March 2024 and had secured the project with Universal Pictures by October. The Odyssey was announced in December. Casting took place from late 2024 through early 2025, and Damon was confirmed for the lead role in February 2025. Nolan studied several translations of the Odyssey. He depicted a realistic interpretation of Greek mythology, drawing inspiration from the epic historical films Andrei Rublev (1966) and Ran (1985), as well as the films of special effects artist Ray Harryhausen. Filming took place from February to August 2025 in Morocco, Greece, Italy, Scotland, Iceland, Western Sahara, and Malta, as well as at the Universal Studios Lot in Los Angeles. With an estimated budget of $250 million, The Odyssey is among the most expensive of Nolan's career, and the first to be shot entirely on IMAX's 70 mm film cameras. Leading up to the release, the costume and production designs, accents, dialogue, and casting choices sparked critical discussion and scrutiny regarding perceived historical accuracy to the setting depicted and faithfulness to the source material.
The Odyssey premiered on July 6, 2026, at the Odeon Luxe Leicester Square in London, ahead of a theatrical release by Universal Pictures on July 17 in the US and the UK. It was made available in IMAX and multiple premium large formats. The Odyssey received acclaim, with particular praise for Nolan's direction. It has grossed $39 million.
","author_name":"Popcorn Junkies"}