The Legendary Tale Finds Its Modern Epic
Fresh off his sweeping success with Oppenheimer, which dominated awards season with seven Oscars, Christopher Nolan is back—and he’s setting his sights on one of the oldest and most revered stories ever told. The Odyssey, an adaptation of Homer’s legendary epic poem, is officially in the works, and it has already locked in an A-list cast with none other than Matt Damon leading the charge as Odysseus.
Damon’s casting was confirmed Monday morning via the film’s official X account, unveiling a striking first-look image of the actor in character. The post simply read: Matt Damon is Odysseus. A film by Christopher Nolan. #TheOdysseyMovie is in theaters July 17, 2026.
A Star-Studded Cast for a Timeless Journey
Joining Damon in this cinematic odyssey is an ensemble of Hollywood heavyweights. Tom Holland, Mia Goth, Zendaya, Anne Hathaway, Lupita Nyong’o, Robert Pattinson, Charlize Theron, Benny Safdie, Jon Bernthal, and John Leguizamo are all set to bring the mythic tale to life. Additional casting reveals include Himesh Patel, Elliot Page, Bill Irwin, Samantha Morton, Jesse Garcia, and Will Yun Lee, promising an epic that’s as rich in talent as it is in storytelling.
This marks the third collaboration between Damon and Nolan, following Interstellar and Oppenheimer, where Damon played Leslie Groves in the Oscar-winning atomic bomb epic.
What to Expect From The Odyssey
For those unfamiliar, The Odyssey follows Odysseus, King of Ithaca, on his perilous voyage home following the Trojan War. His decade-long journey pits him against mythical creatures, vengeful gods, and treacherous temptations, including encounters with Polyphemus the Cyclops, the Sirens, the nymph Calypso, and the witch-goddess Circe. Through every trial, his cunning, resilience, and determination are tested in what remains one of literature’s most definitive hero’s journeys.
Universal, which has collaborated with Nolan on multiple projects, describes the film as a “mythic action epic shot across the world using brand-new IMAX film technology.” This will be the first time Homer’s foundational saga has been brought to IMAX screens, promising an immersive experience unlike any before.
Behind the Scenes: A Nolan-Esque Vision
Christopher Nolan, known for his meticulously crafted narratives and practical effects, has written the screenplay and will serve as both director and producer. His longtime producing partner (and wife), Emma Thomas, will also produce under their Syncopy banner.
Production is set to begin this spring, with filming locations spanning the globe. Variety previously reported that part of the film will be shot in Sicily, specifically on the island of Favignana, believed to be the inspiration for Odysseus’ legendary landings in Homer’s original text.
Why The Odyssey Is the Perfect Follow-Up to Oppenheimer
With Oppenheimer, Nolan proved he could turn historical drama into an electrifying cinematic event. Now, with The Odyssey, he’s taking on one of the most foundational and ambitious stories ever told. Given his track record—turning complex narratives into box office gold—it’s safe to say that anticipation is at an all-time high.
A grand tale of survival, power, and the relentless pull of home, The Odyssey is shaping up to be Nolan’s most visually stunning and narratively ambitious project yet. And with Matt Damon as its heroic lead, we’re already counting down the days until July 17, 2026.
Stay tuned for more updates as this epic journey unfolds!
