View the Director's This Epic Preview the Way It Wasn't Meant to Be Seen.
Christopher Nolan's legendary action saga, The Odyssey, stands as a movie audiences have been anticipating since its announcement. It firmly sits among the most hotly anticipated motion pictures coming next year. In a festive surprise, a trailer has finally arrived, though it's hampered by YouTube's poor compression—maybe illustrating why Nolan initially kept the trailer solely for theatrical audiences.
A First Glimpse at the Legendary Cast
The debut footage reveals Matt Damon in the role of the king of Ithaca. Audiences are introduced to Tom Holland playing the son alongside Anne Hathaway depicting the loyal wife. In a poignant moment, Penelope asks her husband to vow he will return, to which he look up and question what happens if he cannot. The trailer also offers a brief, shadowy glimpse of the mythical one-eyed giant, from whom sheep are are taken by the hero and his men on their treacherous voyage.
Based upon a cornerstone of Western literature, The Odyssey chronicles the epic journey undertaken by the famed ruler. Following his victory in the Trojan War, as told within the companion epic, the king faces a long and perilous road home.
Mythical Encounters and a Star-Studded Lineup
Along his path, Odysseus confronts countless challenges and mythical beings. These include the enchantress 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 reunite with his wife and son in Ithaca.
The adaptation's cast is remarkably star-studded. Joining Damon, Holland, and Hathaway are Charlize Theron as the cunning Circe, alongside Zendaya, Lupita Nyong'o, Robert Pattinson, Elliot Page, and Jon Bernthal.
A Story Repeatedly Told
Homer's epic has inspired numerous adaptations over the years. These range from modern retellings to a 1999 ballet. There has even been a stage musical adaptation called Epic: The Musical, released in the form of a nine-album collection.
The official trailer has been highly anticipated since the film's announcement and a short teaser clip which was initially shown exclusively in theaters. That teaser subsequently found its way online soon after.
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 on global IMAX screens on July 17, 2026.
