See Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey Trailer in a Manner It Was Never Intended to Be Seen.
The acclaimed filmmaker's mythic action epic, The Odyssey, stands as a movie we've been eagerly awaiting since its announcement. It easily ranks as one of the most awaited films of 2026. As a pre-Christmas treat, a trailer has finally arrived, though it's hampered by YouTube's poor compression—perhaps explaining why Nolan initially kept the trailer solely for theatrical audiences.
A First Glimpse of the Stellar Ensemble
This first look showcases Matt Damon portraying the king of Ithaca. We also see Tom Holland playing the son alongside Anne Hathaway as Penelope. During an emotional scene, Penelope asks Odysseus to promise he will return, to which he respond by asking what occurs should he fail. Furthermore, the preview provides a brief, shadowy glimpse of the mythical one-eyed giant, whose flock Odysseus and his crew steal on their treacherous voyage.
Adapted from a foundational pillar in classic storytelling, The Odyssey follows the lengthy quest undertaken by the famed ruler. After his triumph in the Trojan War, which is depicted in Homer's Iliad, the king faces a long and perilous road home.
Legendary Obstacles with an All-Star Cast
On his travels, the hero encounters numerous obstacles and mythical beings. These include the witch-goddess Circe, who transforms men into swine, as well as the treacherous Sirens. Regardless of these ordeals, Odysseus vows to overcome anything to get back to his wife and son on his home island.
The adaptation's cast is remarkably star-studded. Joining Damon, Holland, and Hathaway is Charlize Theron portraying the shrewd goddess, alongside Zendaya, Lupita Nyong'o, Robert Pattinson, Elliot Page, and Jon Bernthal.
A Tale of Many Adaptations
Homer's epic has seen many reinterpretations throughout history. Examples include contemporary versions to a 1999 ballet. There has even been adapted into a musical titled Epic: The Musical, released in the form of a nine-album collection.
A full-length preview was long awaited since the film's announcement and a brief teaser which was initially shown only on the big screen. That footage later made its way onto the internet shortly thereafter.
For a superior viewing experience, the preview available via the film's official social channel might deliver a better, clearer look.
The Odyssey will debut in IMAX theaters worldwide on July 17, 2026.
