When Is Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey” Releasing? Details on the Star-Studded Epic

Christopher Nolan’s highly anticipated adaptation of Homer’s ancient Greek epic, The Odyssey, is set to bring the legendary tale to IMAX screens for the first time. With a stellar cast and groundbreaking technology, here’s everything we know about this mythic action epic.

Key Points:

• The Odyssey adapts Homer’s iconic poem, following Odysseus’ perilous 10-year journey home after the Trojan War.
• Matt Damon stars as Odysseus, with Tom Holland, Charlize Theron, Anne Hathaway, and Lupita Nyong’o in key roles.
• The film is slated for a theatrical release on July 17, 2026, in IMAX.

Following the Oscar-winning success of Oppenheimer, director Christopher Nolan is tackling The Odyssey, a “mythic action epic” shot globally using cutting-edge IMAX film technology. Universal Pictures announced the project in December 2024, promising a visually spectacular take on one of literature’s oldest surviving stories.

Is There a Trailer for The Odyssey?
A 70-second teaser trailer is currently playing exclusively in theatres before major IMAX releases like Jurassic World Rebirth and Superman. The teaser, which leaked online briefly before being removed, offers a moody glimpse into Nolan’s vision, featuring Matt Damon as Odysseus, Tom Holland as his son Telemachus, and Jon Bernthal in an undisclosed role. It opens with a stormy sea and narration: “Darkness. Zeus’ law was smashed to pieces. A kingdom without a king since my master died.” Shots of the Trojan Horse and a tense exchange between Telemachus and Bernthal’s character hint at the epic’s scale, with fleeting images of Greek soldiers and caverns.

What Is The Odyssey About?
Based on Homer’s 8th-century BCE epic, the film follows Odysseus, king of Ithaca, on his decade-long quest to return home after the Trojan War. Facing mythical challenges like the Cyclops Polyphemus, the Sirens, and the witch-goddess Circe (played by Charlize Theron), Odysseus’ journey is fraught with danger. Meanwhile, in Ithaca, his wife Penelope fends off suitors vying for his throne, while their son Telemachus searches for answers about his father’s fate. Nolan’s adaptation, described as a “mythic action epic,” may incorporate his signature non-linear storytelling, though it’s unclear how closely it will follow the original text.

When Is The Odyssey Releasing?
The Odyssey is set to hit theatres worldwide on July 17, 2026, with a dedicated IMAX rollout. Tickets for select 70mm IMAX showtimes went on sale July 17, 2025, a full year in advance, reflecting high anticipation for Nolan’s follow-up to Oppenheimer.

Who’s in the Cast of The Odyssey?
The film boasts a star-studded ensemble, including:

• Matt Damon as Odysseus
• Tom Holland as Telemachus
• Charlize Theron as Circe
• Anne Hathaway, Zendaya, Lupita Nyong’o, Robert Pattinson, Jon Bernthal, Elliot Page, John Leguizamo, Benny Safdie, Mia Goth, Corey Hawkins, Samantha Morton, and more.

Many, like Damon, Hathaway, and Pattinson, are Nolan veterans, while Holland and Zendaya mark their first collaboration with the director. Holland described the experience as “the job of a lifetime,” praising Nolan and producer Emma Thomas for their mastery. “The movie is going to be unlike anything we’ve ever seen,” he told GQ.

Production Details
Filming began in February 2025 across Morocco, Greece, Italy, Scotland, Iceland, and a Los Angeles soundstage, with a $250 million budget, making it Nolan’s most expensive project. The film is the first blockbuster shot entirely with IMAX cameras, using new, lighter, quieter models. Cinematographer Hoyte van Hoytema and composer Ludwig Göransson, both Oppenheimer collaborators, are also on board.

With its all-star cast, innovative technology, and Nolan’s visionary approach, The Odyssey is shaping up to be a cinematic event. Fans can expect a thrilling, possibly unconventional take on Homer’s timeless saga when it arrives in July 2026.

Read about The Odyssey Explained In 25 Minutes | Best Greek Mythology Documentary