Watch the Director's This Epic Trailer in a Manner It Was Never Intended to Be Seen.
The acclaimed filmmaker's legendary action saga, The Odyssey, is a film we've been eagerly awaiting since its announcement. It easily ranks 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 due to the platform's low-quality encoding—maybe illustrating why Nolan initially kept the trailer solely for theatrical audiences.
A First Glimpse of the Stellar Ensemble
This first look reveals Matt Damon portraying the king of Ithaca. We also see Tom Holland as Telemachus and Anne Hathaway as Penelope. During an emotional scene, Penelope asks Odysseus to promise he will return, only for him to respond by asking what happens if he cannot. The trailer also offers a brief, shadowy glimpse 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 undertaken by the famed ruler. Following his victory in the Trojan War, as told in Homer's Iliad, the king faces a long and perilous road home.
Legendary Obstacles 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, his sworn oath is to overcome anything to get back to Penelope and Telemachus in Ithaca.
The adaptation's cast is remarkably star-studded. Joining Damon, Holland, and Hathaway are 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 numerous adaptations throughout history. Examples include contemporary versions to a 1999 ballet. It has even been a stage musical adaptation 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 short teaser clip which was initially shown only on the big screen. That footage later made its way online soon after.
To see a clearer version, the trailer posted on the film's official social channel may provide a better, clearer look.
The Odyssey is scheduled for release in IMAX theaters worldwide on July 17, 2026.
