Following the success of Oppenheimer, Christopher Nolan has announced his next ambitious project: an adaptation of Homer’s ancient Greek epic, The Odyssey. The film, set to release on July 17, 2026, will be a “mythic action epic” filmed with cutting-edge IMAX technology.
A Legendary Story Retold
Homer’s The Odyssey, written in the 8th century BCE, is one of Western literature’s most influential works. It tells the story of Odysseus, King of Ithaca, and his harrowing decade-long journey home following the Trojan War. Along the way, Odysseus encounters iconic challenges, including the one-eyed Cyclops Polyphemus, the enchanting Sirens, and the powerful witch-goddess Circe.
Christopher Nolan, known for tackling complex narratives like Inception and Tenet, will now bring this foundational myth to life. Universal Studios announced, “The Odyssey is a mythic action epic shot across the world using brand new IMAX film technology.”
A Stellar Cast
Christopher Nolan has assembled an extraordinary cast that blends longtime collaborators with new additions. Confirmed actors include:
- Matt Damon (Interstellar, Oppenheimer)
- Anne Hathaway (Interstellar, The Dark Knight Rises)
- Robert Pattinson (Tenet)
- Tom Holland
- Zendaya
- Lupita Nyong’o
- Charlize Theron
The casting reflects Nolan’s ambition to balance modern cinematic appeal with the gravitas required for this timeless story.
Technological Advancements
Nolan is renowned for his pioneering use of film technology, and The Odyssey will be no exception. Universal has confirmed that he will employ “brand new IMAX film technology” to capture the grandeur of Odysseus’s epic journey. With filming scheduled to start early next year, Nolan aims to shoot in breathtaking locations worldwide to match the story’s mythic scale.
Building on a Storied Legacy
Adapting The Odyssey is no small feat. The poem has inspired numerous works, from Mario Camerini’s 1954 film Ulysses to Andrei Konchalovsky’s 1997 miniseries The Odyssey. It has also influenced cinematic reinterpretations such as the Coen brothers’ O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000) and Wolfgang Petersen’s Troy (2004).
Despite the challenges, Nolan’s track record of elevating complex narratives suggests he’s uniquely suited to bring Homer’s masterpiece to modern audiences.
From Oscar Success to a New Challenge– Christopher Nolan
Fresh off the acclaim of Oppenheimer, which won multiple Oscars and broke box office records, Nolan’s decision to tackle The Odyssey underscores his commitment to storytelling on an epic scale. The film marks his second collaboration with Universal Studios following Oppenheimer.
Nolan has continually explored themes of resilience, heroism, and the human condition, making him a natural fit for Homer’s tale of perseverance and homecoming.
Release Date and Expectations
Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey is set to release in theaters worldwide on July 17, 2026, with an IMAX debut ensuring audiences experience this mythic journey in all its cinematic glory.
Fans of both Nolan and classical literature can anticipate a groundbreaking retelling of one of the greatest stories ever told.
