See the Director's This Epic Trailer the Way It Wasn't Meant to Be Seen.
Christopher Nolan's mythic action epic, The Odyssey, is a film audiences have been anticipating ever since it was revealed. It firmly sits among the most hotly anticipated films of 2026. In a festive surprise, a trailer has finally arrived, even if it's compromised due to the platform's low-quality encoding—perhaps explaining why Nolan initially kept the trailer solely for theatrical audiences.
A First Glimpse at the Legendary Cast
The debut footage showcases Matt Damon in the role of Odysseus. We also see Tom Holland playing the son and Anne Hathaway depicting the loyal wife. In a poignant moment, the character pleads with Odysseus to promise he will return, only for him to look up and question what occurs should he fail. The trailer also offers a quick, obscured look at Polyphemus the Cyclops, from whom sheep are Odysseus and his crew steal during their arduous journey.
Based upon a cornerstone of Western literature, The Odyssey follows the lengthy quest undertaken by the famed ruler. After his triumph in the Trojan War, which is depicted within the companion epic, the king faces an extended and hazardous return to his homeland.
Mythical Encounters with an All-Star Cast
On his travels, the hero encounters numerous obstacles and legendary creatures. This roster features the enchantress Circe, known for turning humans into pigs, as well as the treacherous Sirens. Regardless of these ordeals, his sworn oath is to do whatever it takes to reunite with his wife and son in Ithaca.
This film's ensemble boasts an impressive lineup. Joining Damon, Holland, and Hathaway are Charlize Theron as the cunning Circe, 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. These range from modern retellings and a late-90s dance production. It has even been adapted into a musical called Epic: The Musical, released in the form of a multi-part album series.
A full-length preview was long awaited since the film's announcement and a brief teaser that previously played only on the big screen. That teaser later made its way onto the internet shortly thereafter.
To see a clearer version, the trailer posted on the film's official social channel may provide enhanced visual quality.
The Odyssey will debut in IMAX theaters worldwide on July 17, 2026.
