The Odyssey is a 2026 fantasy action adventure film written and directed by Christopher Nolan. It is an adaptation of Homer’s ancient Greek epic poem the Odyssey. Matt Damon stars as Odysseus, the Greek king of Ithaca, and Anne Hathaway portrays his wife, Penelope.
๐ญ Cast and Characters
Matt Damon stars as Odysseus, the legendary Greek king of Ithaca. Tom Holland plays Telemachus, Odysseus and Penelope’s son. Robert Pattinson portrays Antinous, a suitor of Penelope. Lupita Nyong’o plays a dual role as Helen of Troy and Clytemnestra. Zendaya portrays Athena, the goddess of wisdom, and Charlize Theron plays Calypso, a nymph.
๐ Release and Production
The Odyssey premiered on July 6, 2026, at the Odeon Luxe Leicester Square in London. It was released theatrically by Universal Pictures on July 17, 2026, in the United States and United Kingdom. Filming took place from February to August 2025 in Morocco, Greece, Italy, Scotland, Iceland, Western Sahara, and Malta.
๐ Plot Summary
The film begins with the intertitle “In a time of apparent magic…” Ithaca is without its king Odysseus, who disappeared after the Trojan War. Suitors court Penelope to claim the throne from Telemachus. Odysseus’s journey home involves encounters with the Cyclops Polyphemus, the witch Circe, and the underworld. After many trials, Odysseus returns to Ithaca, kills the suitors, and leaves with Penelope to seek peace in exile.
๐ฐ Budget and Reception
With an estimated budget of $250 million, The Odyssey is among the most expensive films of Nolan’s career. It is the first to be shot entirely on IMAX’s 70 mm film cameras. The film received acclaim, with particular praise for Nolan’s direction, and has grossed $73 million.
| Category | Detail | Category | Detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| Director | Christopher Nolan | Lead Actor | Matt Damon |
| Lead Actress | Anne Hathaway | Budget | $250 million |
| Premiere Date | July 6, 2026 | Release Date | July 17, 2026 |
| Production Company | Syncopy | Studio | Universal Pictures |