See Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey Trailer the Way It Was Never Intended to Be Seen.
Christopher Nolan's mythic action epic, The Odyssey, is a film audiences have been anticipating since its announcement. It firmly sits among the most hotly anticipated motion pictures coming next year. As a pre-Christmas treat, a preview has now been released, though it's hampered by YouTube's poor compression—perhaps explaining the director's choice to restrict the trailer solely for theatrical audiences.
The Initial Look at the Legendary Cast
This first look reveals Matt Damon in the role of the king of Ithaca. We also see Tom Holland playing the son and Anne Hathaway as Penelope. In a poignant moment, Penelope asks Odysseus to promise he will return, to which he respond by asking what happens if he cannot. Furthermore, the preview provides a quick, obscured look at Polyphemus the Cyclops, 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 chronicles the epic journey of the legendary King of Ithaca. Following his victory in the Trojan War, as told in Homer's Iliad, Odysseus endures a long and perilous road home.
Legendary Obstacles and a Star-Studded Lineup
On his travels, the hero encounters countless challenges and mythical beings. These include the witch-goddess Circe, who transforms men into swine, and the deceptive Sirens. Despite these trials, his sworn oath is to overcome anything to get back to his wife and son in Ithaca.
The adaptation's cast boasts an impressive lineup. Joining Damon, Holland, and Hathaway 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 seen many reinterpretations throughout history. These range from contemporary versions to a 1999 ballet. It has even been adapted into a musical called Epic: The Musical, presented as a multi-part album series.
A full-length preview was long awaited since the film's announcement and a brief teaser that previously played exclusively in theaters. That teaser subsequently found its way onto the internet soon after.
To see a clearer version, the preview available via the film's official social channel may provide enhanced visual quality.
The Odyssey is scheduled for release on global IMAX screens on July 17, 2026.
