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The Odyssey poster
Universal Pictures / Syncopy

The Odyssey

Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey is a 2026 mythic action epic starring Matt Damon as Odysseus. The 172-minute R-rated film follows the Greek king's dangerous journey home after the Trojan War and was shot entirely with IM...

2026 172 min R
Adventure Drama Fantasy Action
Trailer

Overview

After the Trojan War, Odysseus, king of Ithaca, begins a dangerous journey home through a world of gods, monsters and deadly temptations while Penelope and Telemachus face a growing crisis in his absence.

Editorial Review

By FindEdition Editors

Why The Odyssey Is Trending

The July 17 release is approaching with strong pre-release attention around Christopher Nolan, the all-star cast and the film's full-IMAX production. Early premiere reactions have intensified interest just days before the worldwide theatrical launch.

What to Expect

This is a 172-minute R-rated mythic action epic based on Homer's Odyssey. The story combines the scale of the Trojan War's aftermath with Odysseus's dangerous return to Ithaca and a parallel family crisis involving Penelope and Telemachus.

Early Buzz

Initial reactions following the London premiere have highlighted the film's scale, production design, large-format imagery and performances. The official review score is intentionally left unset until broader review coverage and public release.

Pros

  • Shot entirely with IMAX film cameras
  • High-profile ensemble led by Matt Damon
  • Christopher Nolan adapts a foundational myth
  • Strong early premiere buzz around scale and production
  • Ludwig Göransson returns as composer

Cons

  • The 172-minute runtime may be demanding for some viewers
  • The R rating limits younger audiences
  • No subscription streaming option is listed before theatrical release
Verdict Early reactions point to a large-scale, visually ambitious epic built for premium theatrical viewing, but a full scored verdict should wait until the film's general release.

AI Review

Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey is a 2026 mythic action epic starring Matt Damon as Odysseus. The 172-minute R-rated film follows the Greek king's dangerous journey home after the Trojan War and was shot entirely with IMAX film cameras. It opens in theaters on July 17, 2026.

Early reactions point to a large-scale, visually ambitious epic built for premium theatrical viewing, but a full scored verdict should wait until the film's general release.

Prioritize an IMAX or premium large-format screening because the movie was shot entirely with IMAX film cameras and is designed as a large-scale theatrical event.

Timeline

Release Date
Theatrical Date
Premiere
Festival
Status
Development

Christopher Nolan developed the project after Oppenheimer, with Universal Pictures announcing the film as an adaptation of Homer's The Odyssey in December 2024.

Production

The production filmed internationally and used practical large-scale locations, ships and crowd work for Odysseus's mythic journey.

Technical production

The feature was shot entirely with IMAX film cameras, a major technical selling point emphasized by the official campaign.

Release

The film premiered in London on July 6, 2026 and is scheduled for wide theatrical release on July 17, 2026.

Production

Development

Christopher Nolan developed the project after Oppenheimer, with Universal Pictures announcing the film as an adaptation of Homer's The Odyssey in December 2024.

Production

The production filmed internationally and used practical large-scale locations, ships and crowd work for Odysseus's mythic journey.

Technical production

The feature was shot entirely with IMAX film cameras, a major technical selling point emphasized by the official campaign.

Release

The film premiered in London on July 6, 2026 and is scheduled for wide theatrical release on July 17, 2026.

Cast

Matt Damon Odysseus
Tom Holland Telemachus
Anne Hathaway Penelope
Robert Pattinson Antinous
Lupita Nyong'o Helen of Troy / Clytemnestra
Zendaya Athena
Charlize Theron Calypso
Samantha Morton Circe
Jon Bernthal Menelaus
Benny Safdie Agamemnon
John Leguizamo Eumaeus
Himesh Patel Eurylochus

Characters

Odysseus Matt Damon
Telemachus Tom Holland
Penelope Anne Hathaway
Antinous Robert Pattinson
Helen of Troy / Clytemnestra Lupita Nyong'o
Athena Zendaya
Calypso Charlize Theron
Circe Samantha Morton
Menelaus Jon Bernthal
Agamemnon Benny Safdie
Eumaeus John Leguizamo
Eurylochus Himesh Patel

Crew

Christopher Nolan Director
Christopher Nolan Writer
Emma Thomas Producer
Christopher Nolan Producer
Hoyte van Hoytema Cinematographer
Jennifer Lame Editor
Ludwig Göransson Composer

Videos

Official Trailer

Trivia

  • The Odyssey is the first feature film shot entirely with IMAX film cameras.
  • The film carries an estimated $250 million production budget.
  • Christopher Nolan adapted Homer's epic poem as a mythic action epic centered on Odysseus's journey home after the Trojan War.
  • The film held its world premiere in London on July 6, 2026, before its July 17 theatrical release.

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Universe

Greek mythology

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Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey is a 2026 mythic action epic starring Matt Damon as Odysseus. The 172-minute R-rated film follows the Greek king's dangerous journey home after the Trojan War and was shot entirely with IMAX film cameras. It opens in theaters on July 17, 2026. Similar picks: Similar Director

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