The Odyssey (2026 film)

The Odyssey
Teaser poster
Directed byChristopher Nolan
Screenplay byChristopher Nolan
Based onOdyssey
by Homer
Produced by
Starring
CinematographyHoyte van Hoytema
Music byLudwig Göransson
Production
company
Distributed byUniversal Pictures
Release date
  • July 17, 2026 (2026-07-17)
Countries
  • United Kingdom
  • United States
LanguageEnglish
Budget$250 million[1][2]

The Odyssey is an upcoming epic action fantasy film written, directed, and co-produced by Christopher Nolan. An adaptation of the ancient Greek epic poem the Odyssey attributed to Homer, the film stars Matt Damon as Odysseus, the Greek king of Ithaca, and chronicles his long and perilous journey home following the Trojan War as he attempts to reunite with his wife, Penelope. The ensemble cast also features Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Zendaya, Lupita Nyong'o, Robert Pattinson, Charlize Theron, and Jon Bernthal, among others. The film is produced by Nolan's production company Syncopy and distributed by Universal Pictures.

Following the successful release and awards campaign of the film Oppenheimer (2023), Nolan began writing his next film and was revealed in October 2024 to be reteaming with Universal for it. Casting took place in the following months, and the film was announced in December as an adaptation of the Odyssey. Filming began in February 2025 and occurred throughout various regions worldwide, including Morocco, Greece, Italy, Scotland, and Iceland. With an estimated production budget of $250 million, it is poised to be the most expensive film of Nolan's career and the first blockbuster to be shot entirely using IMAX film cameras.

The Odyssey is scheduled to be theatrically released in the United States on July 17, 2026.

Premise

The Odyssey follows Odysseus, the legendary Greek king of Ithaca, on his long and perilous journey home following the Trojan War, chronicling his encounters with mythical beings such as the Cyclops Polyphemus, the Sirens, and the witch-goddess Circe, and culminating in his reunion with his wife, Penelope.[3]

Cast

Production

Development and casting

After director Christopher Nolan won the Academy Award for Best Director for his film Oppenheimer (2023) in March 2024, he began writing the script for his next film.[7][8] Nolan was revealed in October to be developing his next film at Universal Pictures, after working with that studio on Oppenheimer. Nolan was once again writing the script and producing the film with his wife Emma Thomas through their production company Syncopy. Matt Damon was in talks to star in the film, after collaborating with Nolan on Oppenheimer and Interstellar (2014), and filming was slated to begin in early 2025. Unlike Oppenheimer, which Universal acquired in an auction, this film was directly set up at the studio.[9][10] The Hollywood Reporter debunked speculation that the film would adapt the British spy television series The Prisoner (1967–68), which Nolan was previously attached to in 2009.[9][7] Damon was confirmed to star later that month when Tom Holland was cast.[11] Previous Nolan collaborators Anne Hathaway—who starred in The Dark Knight Rises (2012) and Interstellar—and Robert Pattinson, who starred in Tenet (2020), joined the cast in November,[12][13] alongside Zendaya,[12] Lupita Nyong'o,[14] and Charlize Theron.[15]

In December 2024, Universal announced Nolan's new film as The Odyssey, an adaptation of Homer's Odyssey, an Ancient Greek epic poem. The studio described the film as a "mythic action epic" that would be filmed worldwide.[3][16] Nolan was previously attached to direct the film Troy (2004), based on Homer's Odyssey predecessor the Iliad, but decided to make Batman Begins (2005) instead.[17][18] The Odyssey was expected to have a $250 million budget, which would make it the most expensive film of Nolan's career.[1][2] Further casting took place throughout early 2025, with prior Nolan collaborators Benny Safdie,[19] Josh Stewart,[20] Elliot Page, Himesh Patel, Bill Irwin,[21] and Anthony Molinari joining.[22] Additional actors cast alongside them were Samantha Morton,[21] Jon Bernthal,[23] John Leguizamo,[24] Jesse Garcia, Will Yun Lee,[25] Rafi Gavron, Shiloh Fernandez,[26] Mia Goth,[27] Corey Hawkins,[28] Nick E. Tarabay, Jimmy Gonzales, Maurice Compte,[29] Michael Vlamis, Iddo Goldberg,[30] and Ryan Hurst.[31] Skeet Ulrich said he unsuccessfully read for a role in the film in early February alongside two other actors.[32] Cosmo Jarvis had also been cast,[33] but dropped out shortly before filming began due to a scheduling conflict and was subsequently replaced by Logan Marshall-Green.[34]

Damon was confirmed to be portraying Odysseus when a "surprise" first-look image of him in costume was released in mid-February, ahead of the start of filming later that month. This came after some rumors had circulated that Holland could be playing the role;[4] Holland was later confirmed to be portraying Odysseus's son, Telemachus.[5] Various commentators and historians described the costume Damon wore as being historically inaccurate in terms of what armor Odysseus would have worn around the time that the Odyssey takes place and what is described in the Iliad.[35] Costume designer Ellen Mirojnick and composer Ludwig Göransson both reteamed with Nolan from Oppenheimer.[36][37]

Filming

Principal photography began on February 25, 2025, in Aït Benhaddou, Morocco.[38][4] Hoyte van Hoytema reunited with Nolan as cinematographer,[4] shooting The Odyssey as the first blockbuster entirely with IMAX film cameras, using a newly developed lighter and quieter version and existing technology.[16][39][40] Filming took place in the Messenia region of Peloponnese, Greece, from March 10 to 21, at Pylos, the Methoni Castle, the Almyrolakkos beach in Yialova, and Nestor's Cave in the Voidokilia beach for scenes featuring the Cyclops Polyphemus, as well as at an archaeological palace site in Acrocorinth, Corinth.[41][42][43][44] The production partnered with Faliro House Productions's NAF subsidiary for filming in Greece,[43] which lasted for a total of three weeks and included a retroactive 40% cash rebate for the production.[45]

By March 27, the production moved to Sicily, Italy, for filming throughout the Aeolian Islands and particularly on the island Favignana in the Aegadian Islands, which is a location mentioned in the poem.[46][36] By early May, filming was taking place on a studio soundstage in Los Angeles,[47] before shooting at Findlater Castle in Moray, Scotland, in early June.[48] Filming moved to remote regions of Iceland, including Landeyjahöfn, by the middle of the month until late June,[49] before returning to Scotland for filming at Buckie Harbour and the secluded Sunnyside Beach near Cullen, Moray. Filming is taking place in the Culbin Forest from July 3 to 16, before returning to Findlater Castle through July 25.[50] Theron is set to shoot her scenes as Circe for two weeks at the end of July.[6] Filming is also expected to take place in the United Kingdom and Ireland.[46][22]

Marketing

A 70-second-long teaser trailer for The Odyssey featuring Holland's Telemachus and Bernthal debuted exclusively in movie theaters ahead of screenings for Universal's Jurassic World Rebirth upon its release in July 2025, one year before the film's release.[5][51] The teaser was expected to be released online later that year,[51] but was leaked online soon after.[2][51]

Release

The Odyssey is scheduled to be theatrically released by Universal Pictures in the United States on July 17, 2026, in IMAX.[16]

See also

References

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  2. ^ a b c Hibberd, James (July 1, 2025). "Christopher Nolan's Epic The Odyssey Teaser Trailer Leaks Online". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on July 1, 2025. Retrieved July 1, 2025.
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  4. ^ a b c d Chitwood, Adam (February 17, 2025). "Matt Damon Is Odysseus in First Look at Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey". TheWrap. Archived from the original on February 17, 2025. Retrieved February 17, 2025.
  5. ^ a b c Fuster, Jeremy (July 1, 2025). "Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey Teaser Trailer Is Playing Only in Theaters". TheWrap. Archived from the original on July 3, 2025. Retrieved July 7, 2025.
  6. ^ a b Davids, Brian (July 1, 2025). "Charlize Theron Talks Potential The Old Guard Trilogy, The Odyssey and a Mad Max: Fury Road Making-of Movie". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on July 1, 2025. Retrieved July 1, 2025.
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  8. ^ Belloni, Matthew (March 12, 2024). "What I'm Hearing: Oscars Inanity, Lourd's Shadow Party & Langley's Big Year". Puck. Archived from the original on June 16, 2024. Retrieved July 7, 2025.
  9. ^ a b Couch, Aaron; Kit, Borys (October 8, 2024). "Christopher Nolan's Next Movie Lands at Universal With Matt Damon in Talks to Star". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on October 9, 2024. Retrieved October 8, 2024.
  10. ^ Kroll, Justin (October 8, 2024). "Christopher Nolan Sets Next Movie At Universal In Imax For Summer 2026 With Matt Damon Eyed To Star". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on October 8, 2024. Retrieved October 9, 2024.
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  17. ^ Finke, Nikki (June 21, 2013). "2nd Update: Warner Bros Shake-Up – Jeff Robinov Quitting Movie Studio After No New Contract Offered And Kevin Tsujihara's War Of Silence; Sue Kroll, Dan Fellman, And Greg Silverman May Become Triumvirate". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on August 31, 2014. Retrieved June 18, 2025.
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  20. ^ Rather, Joey (February 28, 2025). "Webster County native, WVU grad joins cast of upcoming Christopher Nolan film". WBOY-TV. Archived from the original on March 1, 2025. Retrieved March 5, 2025. – via Stewart, Josh [@j0shstewart]; (February 28, 2025). "Josh Stewart on Instagram". Archived from the original on March 5, 2025. Retrieved March 5, 2025 – via Instagram.
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  25. ^ Cordero, Rosy (February 10, 2025). "Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey Casts Jesse Garcia & Will Yun Lee". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on February 10, 2025. Retrieved February 10, 2025.
  26. ^ Stephan, Katcy (February 14, 2025). "Rafi Gavron and Shiloh Fernandez Join Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey Ensemble (Exclusive)". Variety. Archived from the original on February 14, 2025. Retrieved February 14, 2025.
  27. ^ Dunn, Jack (February 14, 2025). "Mia Goth Joins Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey". Variety. Archived from the original on February 14, 2025. Retrieved February 14, 2025.
  28. ^ Grobar, Matt (February 14, 2025). "Corey Hawkins Latest To Join Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on February 14, 2025. Retrieved February 14, 2025.
  29. ^ Cordero, Rosy (February 14, 2025). "Nick Tarabay, Jimmy Gonzales & Maurice Compte Join Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on February 14, 2025. Retrieved February 14, 2025.
  30. ^ Grobar, Matt (February 18, 2025). "Michael Vlamis & Iddo Goldberg Latest To Join Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey At Universal". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on February 18, 2025. Retrieved February 18, 2025.
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  33. ^ Wiseman, Andreas; Kroll, Justin (March 4, 2025). "Shōgun Star Cosmo Jarvis Joins Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey With Filming Underway In Morocco". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on March 4, 2025. Retrieved March 4, 2025.
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  35. ^ a b Commentary on the revelation of Matt Damon's Odysseus costume from the following references:
  36. ^ a b "Zendaya's first look on the The Odyssey set features bridal-style costume as filming begins". The Express Tribune. March 27, 2025. Archived from the original on March 27, 2025. Retrieved March 31, 2025.
  37. ^ Thomas, Lou (April 15, 2025). ""We're recreating the devil's music": composer Ludwig Göransson on Sinners". British Film Institute. Archived from the original on April 28, 2025. Retrieved April 29, 2025.
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  40. ^ Jones, Tamera; Weintraub, Steven (May 16, 2025). ""Something Has Clearly Happened": IMAX Is Looking to Expand Technology, Locations, and Laser Upgrades In the Wake of Christopher Nolan & Sinners Success [Exclusive]". Collider. Archived from the original on May 18, 2025. Retrieved May 18, 2025.
  41. ^ "Peloponnese: Production Begins for Hollywood Film The Odyssey in Pylos". Greek Travel Pages. March 10, 2025. Archived from the original on March 11, 2025. Retrieved May 7, 2025.
  42. ^ Tangonan, EJ (March 13, 2025). "Get a peek at Jon Bernthal and Tom Holland on the set of Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey in behind-the-scenes photos". JoBlo.com. Archived from the original on March 13, 2025. Retrieved May 7, 2025.
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  44. ^ Giannopoulos, Bill (March 8, 2025). "Filming of Odyssey Finally Begins in Ancient Corinth (photos)". Greek City Times. Archived from the original on March 9, 2025. Retrieved March 31, 2025.
  45. ^ Vourlias, Christopher (May 17, 2025). "The Odyssey, Maria Filming Location Greece Hits Troubled Waters Over Ongoing Delays With 40% Cash Rebate". Variety. Archived from the original on May 19, 2025. Retrieved May 19, 2025.
  46. ^ a b Vivarelli, Nick (January 27, 2025). "Christopher Nolan Set to Shoot Part of The Odyssey on Sicilian 'Goat Island', Where Odysseus Landed (Exclusive)". Variety. Archived from the original on January 27, 2025. Retrieved January 27, 2025.
  47. ^ Johnson, Ted (May 4, 2025). "Donald Trump Says He's Pursuing 100% Tariffs On Movies Produced Outside U.S., Calling Runaway Production "A National Security Threat"". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on May 4, 2025. Retrieved May 5, 2025.
  48. ^ Harrison, Jody (June 9, 2025). "Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey starts filming at Findlater Castle". The Herald. Archived from the original on June 9, 2025. Retrieved July 7, 2025.
  49. ^ Chapman, Michael (June 16, 2025). "Christopher Nolan Returns to Iceland to Film The Odyssey". Iceland Review. Archived from the original on July 1, 2025. Retrieved June 18, 2025.
  50. ^ Williams, Craig (June 30, 2025). "Behind the scenes at The Odyssey film set in Scotland". The Herald. Archived from the original on June 30, 2025. Retrieved July 2, 2025.
  51. ^ a b c Moreau, Jordan (July 1, 2025). "Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey Teaser Leaks Online Amid Theatrical Rollout: Here's What Happens in the First Footage". Variety. Archived from the original on July 1, 2025. Retrieved July 7, 2025.
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