🔗 Share this article View Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey Preview the Way It Wasn't Meant for Viewing. The acclaimed filmmaker's mythic action epic, The Odyssey, is a film audiences have been anticipating ever since it was revealed. It easily ranks among the most hotly anticipated films of 2026. In a festive surprise, a trailer has finally arrived, though it's hampered due to the platform's low-quality encoding—perhaps explaining the director's choice to restrict the preview exclusive to cinemas. The Initial Look of the Stellar Ensemble The debut footage showcases Matt Damon in the role of Odysseus. We also see Tom Holland playing the son and Anne Hathaway as Penelope. In a poignant moment, Penelope asks Odysseus to promise his safe homecoming, to which he respond by asking what happens if he cannot. The trailer also offers a quick, obscured look at Polyphemus the Cyclops, from whom sheep are Odysseus and his crew steal during their arduous journey. Adapted from a foundational pillar of Western literature, The Odyssey chronicles the epic journey of the legendary King of Ithaca. Following his victory at Troy, which is depicted within the companion epic, the king faces an extended and hazardous road home. Legendary Obstacles with an All-Star Cast On his travels, Odysseus confronts numerous obstacles and legendary creatures. These include the witch-goddess Circe, who transforms men into swine, and the deceptive Sirens. Regardless of these ordeals, his sworn oath is to do whatever it takes to get back to his wife and son in Ithaca. This film's ensemble boasts an impressive lineup. Joining Damon, Holland, and Hathaway are Charlize Theron as the cunning Circe, together with Zendaya, Lupita Nyong'o, Robert Pattinson, Elliot Page, and Jon Bernthal. A Tale of Many Adaptations Homer's epic has seen numerous adaptations throughout history. These range from contemporary versions and a late-90s dance production. It has even been a stage musical adaptation titled Epic: The Musical, presented as a multi-part album series. The official trailer has been highly anticipated following the project's reveal and a brief teaser which was initially shown only on the big screen. That footage later made its way onto the internet shortly thereafter. To see a clearer version, the trailer posted on the film's official social channel might deliver a better, clearer look. The Odyssey is scheduled for release on global IMAX screens on July 17, 2026.