Watch the Director's This Epic Preview in a Manner It Was Never Intended to Be Seen.
Christopher Nolan's mythic action epic, The Odyssey, stands as a movie we've been eagerly awaiting ever since it was revealed. It firmly sits as one of the most awaited films of 2026. As a pre-Christmas treat, a trailer has finally arrived, even if it's compromised by YouTube's poor compression—maybe illustrating why Nolan initially kept the trailer solely for theatrical audiences.
A First Glimpse of the Stellar Ensemble
The debut footage showcases Matt Damon portraying the king of Ithaca. We also see Tom Holland as Telemachus and Anne Hathaway depicting the loyal wife. In a poignant moment, the character pleads with Odysseus to promise he will return, to which he respond by asking what happens if he cannot. The trailer also offers a brief, shadowy glimpse of the mythical one-eyed giant, whose flock are taken by the hero and his men during their arduous journey.
Based upon a cornerstone of Western literature, The Odyssey follows the epic journey undertaken by the famed ruler. Following his victory at Troy, which is depicted within the companion epic, Odysseus endures an extended and hazardous return to his homeland.
Mythical Encounters with an All-Star Cast
On his travels, Odysseus confronts numerous obstacles and mythical beings. These include the enchantress Circe, who transforms men into swine, and the deceptive Sirens. Despite these trials, Odysseus vows to do whatever it takes to get back to his wife and son on his home island.
The adaptation's cast boasts an impressive lineup. Joining Damon, Holland, and Hathaway are Charlize Theron as the cunning Circe, together with Zendaya, Lupita Nyong'o, Robert Pattinson, Elliot Page, and Jon Bernthal.
A Tale of Many Adaptations
Homer's epic has inspired numerous adaptations over the years. These range from modern retellings and a late-90s dance production. There has even been adapted into a musical titled Epic: The Musical, released in the form of a nine-album collection.
The official trailer was long awaited following the project's reveal and a brief teaser that previously played only on the big screen. That teaser subsequently found its way onto the internet 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 will debut on global IMAX screens on July 17, 2026.