🔗 Share this article See the Director's The Odyssey Preview the Way 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 trailer has finally arrived, even if it's compromised by YouTube's poor compression—perhaps explaining why Nolan initially kept the preview exclusive to cinemas. The Initial Look of the Stellar Ensemble This first look reveals Matt Damon in the role of Odysseus. We also see Tom Holland playing the son alongside Anne Hathaway depicting the loyal wife. During an emotional scene, 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 quick, obscured look at Polyphemus the Cyclops, whose flock Odysseus and his crew steal during their arduous journey. Based upon a foundational pillar in classic storytelling, The Odyssey follows the lengthy quest of the legendary King of Ithaca. Following his victory in the Trojan War, as told within the companion epic, Odysseus endures an extended and hazardous road home. Mythical Encounters and a Star-Studded Lineup On his travels, the hero encounters countless challenges and legendary creatures. These include the enchantress Circe, who transforms men into swine, as well as the treacherous Sirens. Despite these trials, Odysseus vows to do whatever it takes to get back to his wife and son on his home island. The adaptation's cast boasts an impressive lineup. Joining Damon, Holland, and Hathaway are Charlize Theron portraying the shrewd goddess, together with Zendaya, Lupita Nyong'o, Robert Pattinson, Elliot Page, and Jon Bernthal. A Tale of Many Adaptations Homer's epic has inspired numerous adaptations over the years. Examples include modern retellings to a 1999 ballet. There has even been a stage musical adaptation titled Epic: The Musical, presented as a nine-album collection. 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 subsequently found its way onto the internet soon after. For a superior viewing experience, the trailer posted on the film's official social channel might deliver a better, clearer look. The Odyssey is scheduled for release in IMAX theaters worldwide on July 17, 2026.