Watch Christopher Nolan's This Epic Preview the Way It Was Never Intended to Be Seen.
The acclaimed filmmaker's mythic action epic, The Odyssey, is a film we've been eagerly awaiting since its announcement. It easily ranks 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—maybe illustrating the director's choice to restrict the trailer solely for theatrical audiences.
A First Glimpse of the Stellar Ensemble
The debut footage showcases Matt Damon in the role of Odysseus. Audiences are introduced to Tom Holland playing the son alongside Anne Hathaway as Penelope. During an emotional scene, 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 of the mythical one-eyed giant, from whom sheep are are taken by the hero and his men on their treacherous voyage.
Adapted from a foundational pillar of Western literature, The Odyssey chronicles the epic journey undertaken by the famed ruler. After his triumph at Troy, as told within the companion epic, the king faces an extended and hazardous return to his homeland.
Mythical Encounters with an All-Star Cast
Along his path, Odysseus confronts 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, Odysseus vows to do whatever it takes to reunite with Penelope and Telemachus on his home island.
This film's ensemble boasts an impressive lineup. Joining Damon, Holland, and Hathaway is 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. Examples include modern retellings to a 1999 ballet. It has even been adapted into a musical called Epic: The Musical, released in the form of a nine-album collection.
A full-length preview was long awaited following the project's reveal and a brief teaser that previously played exclusively in theaters. That footage later made its way onto the internet soon after.
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.
