View the Director's The Odyssey Trailer in a Manner It Wasn't Meant for Viewing.
Christopher Nolan's mythic action epic, The Odyssey, is a film we've been eagerly awaiting ever since it was revealed. It firmly sits among the most hotly anticipated films of 2026. In a festive surprise, a trailer has finally arrived, even if it's compromised by YouTube's poor compression—maybe illustrating why Nolan initially kept the trailer solely for theatrical audiences.
A First Glimpse at the Legendary Cast
This first look reveals Matt Damon portraying Odysseus. We also see Tom Holland as Telemachus and Anne Hathaway as Penelope. During an emotional scene, Penelope asks Odysseus to promise his safe homecoming, only for him to look up and question what happens if he cannot. Furthermore, the preview provides a brief, shadowy glimpse at Polyphemus the Cyclops, from whom sheep are are taken by the hero and his men during their arduous journey.
Adapted from a foundational pillar in classic storytelling, The Odyssey follows the lengthy quest undertaken by the famed ruler. After his triumph at Troy, as told in Homer's Iliad, the king faces a long and perilous road home.
Mythical Encounters and a Star-Studded Lineup
On his travels, Odysseus confronts numerous obstacles and legendary creatures. This roster features the witch-goddess Circe, known for turning humans into pigs, and the deceptive Sirens. Regardless of these ordeals, his sworn oath is to do whatever it takes to reunite with his wife and son in Ithaca.
The adaptation's cast is remarkably star-studded. Joining Damon, Holland, and Hathaway is Charlize Theron as the cunning Circe, together with Zendaya, Lupita Nyong'o, Robert Pattinson, Elliot Page, and Jon Bernthal.
A Tale of Many Adaptations
The classic poem has inspired many reinterpretations throughout history. Examples include modern retellings to a 1999 ballet. There has even been adapted into a musical titled Epic: The Musical, released in the form of a multi-part album series.
The official trailer has been highly anticipated following the project's reveal and a short teaser clip which was initially shown exclusively in theaters. That teaser later made its way online soon after.
For a superior viewing experience, the trailer posted on the film's official social channel may provide a better, clearer look.
The Odyssey will debut on global IMAX screens next summer.
