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, stands as a movie 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 trailer has finally arrived, even if it's compromised by YouTube's poor compression—perhaps explaining why Nolan initially kept the trailer solely for theatrical audiences.
The Initial Look 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 depicting the loyal wife. During an emotional scene, Penelope asks Odysseus to promise he will return, to which he respond by asking what occurs should he fail. The trailer also offers a quick, obscured look at Polyphemus the Cyclops, whose flock are taken by the hero and his men on their treacherous voyage.
Adapted from a foundational pillar of Western literature, The Odyssey chronicles the lengthy quest of the legendary King of Ithaca. Following his victory in the Trojan War, as told within the companion epic, the king faces a long and perilous return to his homeland.
Mythical Encounters and a Star-Studded Lineup
On his travels, the hero encounters countless challenges and legendary creatures. These include the witch-goddess Circe, known for turning humans into pigs, and the deceptive Sirens. Despite these trials, his sworn oath is to overcome anything to reunite with his wife and son on his home island.
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
The classic poem has seen numerous adaptations over the years. Examples include modern retellings and a late-90s dance production. It has even been a stage musical adaptation called Epic: The Musical, presented as a nine-album collection.
The official trailer has been highly anticipated following the project's reveal and a short teaser clip that previously played only on the big screen. That teaser subsequently found its way onto the internet shortly thereafter.
For a superior viewing experience, the preview available via the film's official social channel may provide enhanced visual quality.
The Odyssey will debut in IMAX theaters worldwide on July 17, 2026.
