Christopher Nolan is tackling his next big blockbuster with an iconic tale: Homer’s The Odyssey.
On Dec. 23, Universal Pictures confirmed the Oscar-winning director’s upcoming project on X, writing, “Christopher Nolan’s next film ‘The Odyssey’ is a mythic action epic shot across the world using brand new IMAX film technology.”
“The film brings Homer’s foundational saga to IMAX film screens for the first time and opens in theaters everywhere on July 17, 2026,” the post continued.
Nolan’s adaptation will feature a starry cast as they take on the Greek epic, including Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong’o and Charlize Theron.
While this marks a new chapter in the story’s cinematic journey, The Odyssey has been adapted for the screen several times. Earlier versions include the 1997 miniseries The Odyssey, starring Armand Assante and Greta Scacchi, as well as the 1954 Italian film Ulysses, which starred Kirk Douglas, Silvana Mangano and Anthony Quinn. More recently, Ralph Fiennes and Juliette Binoche told the tale in 2024’s The Return.
From the cast to the release date, here’s everything to know about Christopher Nolan’s next project, The Odyssey.
What will The Odyssey be about?
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Christopher Nolan attends the 2024 EE BAFTA Film Awards at The Royal Festival Hall on February 18, 2024 in London
Universal Pictures shared on X that Nolan’s project would tell the story of Homer’s ancient Greek poem, The Odyssey.
The timeless tale unfolds across 24 non-linear books, chronicling the perilous, 10-year journey of Odysseus, the King of Ithaca, as he returns home after the Trojan War. His wife, Penelope, and their son, Telemachus, struggle to maintain order back home, where a handful of suitors compete for Penelope’s affection, under the assumption that Odysseus is dead.
Telemachus sets out on a secret journey to discover any news of his father. He encounters Nestor and Menelaus — two men who fought with Odysseus in the war at Troy — and learns that he is still alive.
Meanwhile, along his journey, Odysseus encounters iconic figures from Greek mythology, including the nymph Calypso, the sorceress Circe and the goddess Athena, all while striving to reunite with his family. After being held captive and facing multiple shipwrecks, Odysseus finally returns home to Ithaca, where he must devise a plan to rid his home of the suitors and take back control of his kingdom.
Who is in the cast of The Odyssey?
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Zendaya attends The Gothams 34th Annual Film Awards at Cipriani Wall Street on December 02, 2024 in New York City ; Lupita Nyong’o poses before the Screen Talks event at the 68th BFI London Film Festival on Oct. 14, 2024 in London ; Robert Pattinson attends the Dior Homme Menswear Spring/Summer 2025 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on June 21, 2024
Although the characters have yet to be announced, Nolan’s adaptation of The Odyssey boasts a star-studded cast ready to bring the ancient Greek epic to life.
Among the cast is Damon, who previously starred in Nolan’s latest film, Oppenheimer, marking a reunion between the actor and director. Hathaway is also set to join the ensemble, reuniting with Nolan after starring in 2012’s The Dark Night Rises and 2014’s Interstellar.
The Odyssey marks an on-screen reunion between real-life couple Zendaya and Holland, who starred together in the Spider-Man movies, which they are both widely recognized for.
Holland shared on Good Morning America in October 2024 that he was “incredibly excited” and “obviously honored” when Nolan called him with the casting news — despite not knowing any details about the project.
“When the opportunity came in, it was the phone call of a lifetime,” the Uncharted actor said. “It was reminiscent of getting the call about Spider-Man 10 years ago. It’s an amazing thing for me. I’m super proud and I’m really, really excited.”
During a December episode of the Dish podcast, Holland shared that having Zendaya by his side on sets was the “best thing that’s ever happened to me” — and studios loved it too. “One hotel room!” he joked.
The couple will also be joined by A-list stars, including Pattinson, Nyong’o and Theron.
Who is directing The Odyssey?
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Christopher Nolan, winner of the Best Directing award and the Best Picture award for ‘Oppenheimer,’ poses in the press room during the 96th Annual Academy Awards at Ovation Hollywood on March 10, 2024 in Hollywood, California
The Odyssey will be directed by Christopher Nolan, who is fresh off his 2024 Academy Award wins for Best Motion Picture of the Year and Best Achievement in Directing for 2023’s Oppenheimer.
Nolan also gained recognition for writing and directing acclaimed films such as 2010’s Inception, 2014’s Interstellar and 2020’s Tenet.
When will The Odyssey be released?
The Odyssey is slated to be released in theaters on July 17, 2026.
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