Watch the Director's This Epic Trailer the Way It Wasn't Meant for Viewing.
The acclaimed filmmaker's mythic action epic, The Odyssey, is a film we've been eagerly awaiting ever since it was revealed. It firmly sits as one of the most awaited films of 2026. In a festive surprise, a trailer has finally arrived, even if it's compromised by YouTube's poor compression—perhaps explaining why Nolan initially kept the trailer solely for theatrical audiences.
The Initial Look at the Legendary Cast
The debut footage reveals Matt Damon in the role of Odysseus. Audiences are introduced to Tom Holland playing the son and Anne Hathaway depicting the loyal wife. In a poignant moment, the character pleads with her husband to vow his safe homecoming, only for him to look up and question what occurs should he fail. The trailer also offers a quick, obscured look of the mythical one-eyed giant, from whom sheep are are taken by the hero and his men during their arduous journey.
Based upon a cornerstone of Western literature, The Odyssey follows the lengthy quest of the legendary King of Ithaca. After his triumph at Troy, as told in Homer's Iliad, the king faces a long and perilous return to his homeland.
Mythical Encounters with an All-Star Cast
On his travels, the hero encounters countless challenges and mythical beings. This roster features the witch-goddess Circe, known for turning humans into pigs, as well as the treacherous Sirens. Despite these trials, Odysseus vows to do whatever it takes to reunite with Penelope and Telemachus on his home island.
The adaptation's cast is remarkably star-studded. Alongside the leading trio is Charlize Theron portraying the shrewd goddess, alongside Zendaya, Lupita Nyong'o, Robert Pattinson, Elliot Page, and Jon Bernthal.
A Story Repeatedly Told
Homer's epic has inspired many reinterpretations over the years. Examples include contemporary versions and a late-90s dance production. It has even been a stage musical adaptation titled Epic: The Musical, released in the form of a nine-album collection.
A full-length preview was long awaited following the project's reveal and a brief teaser that previously played only on the big screen. That footage subsequently found its way onto the internet shortly thereafter.
For a superior viewing experience, the preview available via the film's official social channel may provide a better, clearer look.
The Odyssey is scheduled for release on global IMAX screens on July 17, 2026.