Watch Christopher Nolan's This Epic Preview in a Manner 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 easily ranks as one of the most awaited motion pictures coming next year. As a pre-Christmas treat, a trailer has finally arrived, though it's hampered by YouTube's poor compression—maybe illustrating the director's choice to restrict the trailer solely for theatrical audiences.
The Initial Look of the Stellar Ensemble
This first look reveals Matt Damon in the role of the king of Ithaca. Audiences are introduced to Tom Holland playing the son alongside Anne Hathaway as Penelope. During an emotional scene, Penelope asks Odysseus to promise his safe homecoming, 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 Odysseus and his crew steal on their treacherous voyage.
Adapted from a foundational pillar of Western literature, The Odyssey chronicles the lengthy quest undertaken by the famed ruler. After his triumph at Troy, as told within the companion epic, Odysseus endures a long and perilous road home.
Legendary Obstacles with an All-Star Cast
On his travels, Odysseus confronts numerous obstacles and mythical beings. This roster features the witch-goddess Circe, known for turning humans into pigs, as well as the treacherous Sirens. Regardless of these ordeals, Odysseus vows to do whatever it takes to get back to Penelope and Telemachus in Ithaca.
The adaptation's cast boasts an impressive lineup. Alongside the leading trio is 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 seen many reinterpretations throughout history. Examples include modern retellings to a 1999 ballet. There has even been adapted into a musical called Epic: The Musical, presented as a multi-part album series.
The official trailer has been highly anticipated since the film's announcement and a short teaser clip which was initially shown exclusively in theaters. That teaser subsequently found 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 on global IMAX screens on July 17, 2026.
