See Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey Trailer the Way It Was Never Intended for Viewing.
The acclaimed filmmaker's legendary action saga, The Odyssey, is a film audiences have been anticipating ever since it was revealed. It firmly sits as one of the most awaited motion pictures coming next year. In a festive surprise, a preview has now been released, even if it's compromised due to the platform's low-quality encoding—maybe illustrating the director's choice to restrict the preview exclusive to cinemas.
The Initial Look of the Stellar Ensemble
The debut footage showcases Matt Damon portraying Odysseus. We also see Tom Holland playing the son and Anne Hathaway as Penelope. In a poignant moment, the character pleads with 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 on their treacherous voyage.
Based upon a foundational pillar of Western literature, The Odyssey follows the lengthy quest of the legendary King of Ithaca. Following his victory in the Trojan War, as told within the companion epic, the king faces an extended and hazardous return to his homeland.
Mythical Encounters and a Star-Studded Lineup
Along his path, the hero encounters numerous obstacles and mythical beings. This roster features the enchantress Circe, known for turning humans into pigs, and the deceptive Sirens. Regardless of these ordeals, Odysseus vows to overcome anything to reunite with his wife and son in Ithaca.
The adaptation's cast is remarkably star-studded. Alongside the leading trio are Charlize Theron as the cunning Circe, alongside Zendaya, Lupita Nyong'o, Robert Pattinson, Elliot Page, and Jon Bernthal.
A Tale of Many Adaptations
Homer's epic has seen numerous adaptations throughout history. Examples include contemporary versions to a 1999 ballet. There has even been adapted into a musical titled Epic: The Musical, released in the form of a multi-part album series.
A full-length preview has been highly anticipated since the film's announcement and a brief teaser that previously played exclusively in theaters. That footage later made its way online shortly thereafter.
To see a clearer version, the trailer posted on the film's official social channel might deliver a better, clearer look.
The Odyssey is scheduled for release on global IMAX screens on July 17, 2026.
