Watch Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey Trailer in a Manner It Wasn't Meant to Be Seen.
The acclaimed filmmaker's legendary action saga, The Odyssey, stands as a movie audiences have been anticipating since its announcement. It easily ranks among the most hotly anticipated films of 2026. In a festive surprise, a trailer has finally arrived, though it's hampered by YouTube's poor compression—maybe illustrating why Nolan initially kept the preview exclusive to cinemas.
A First Glimpse of the Stellar Ensemble
This first look reveals Matt Damon in the role of the king of Ithaca. We also see Tom Holland playing the son alongside Anne Hathaway as Penelope. In a poignant moment, Penelope asks Odysseus to promise he will return, only for him to respond by asking what happens if he cannot. The trailer also offers a quick, obscured look at Polyphemus the Cyclops, from whom sheep are Odysseus and his crew steal during their arduous journey.
Based upon a cornerstone in classic storytelling, The Odyssey chronicles the lengthy quest undertaken by the famed ruler. Following his victory at Troy, as told in Homer's Iliad, Odysseus endures an extended and hazardous road home.
Mythical Encounters with an All-Star Cast
Along his path, the hero encounters numerous obstacles and mythical beings. These include the enchantress Circe, known for turning humans into pigs, and the deceptive Sirens. Regardless of these ordeals, Odysseus vows to overcome anything to get back to his wife and son in Ithaca.
The adaptation's cast is remarkably star-studded. Joining Damon, Holland, and Hathaway is Charlize Theron portraying the shrewd goddess, together with Zendaya, Lupita Nyong'o, Robert Pattinson, Elliot Page, and Jon Bernthal.
A Story Repeatedly Told
Homer's epic has inspired numerous adaptations over the years. Examples include modern retellings and a late-90s dance production. There has even been adapted into a musical titled Epic: The Musical, presented as a multi-part album series.
A full-length preview has been highly anticipated since the film's announcement and a brief teaser which was initially shown only on the big screen. That footage subsequently found its way online soon after.
For a superior viewing experience, the preview available via the movie's verified account might deliver enhanced visual quality.
The Odyssey will debut on global IMAX screens on July 17, 2026.
