The moniker of “most anticipated films of the year” continues to be applied to “The Odyssey” by Christopher Nolan, with Universal Pictures this week releasing an impressive new trailer and revealing more of the ambitious project.
The film marks Nolan’s next cinematic endeavor, as he adapts one of the most important works of world literature—The Odyssey by Homer—through his signature cinematic style.
The trailer showcases the Ionian Island kingdom of Ithaca and Odysseus’ treacherous journey home after the end of the Trojan War. Matt Damon plays the resourceful protagonist, including scenes confronting the one-eyed Cyclops.
Robert Pattinson plays Antinous, the main suitor of his queen-wife who schemes to seize the throne during Odysseus’ absence. The trailer premiered on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, generating a global buzz.
The ensemble cast includes Anne Hathaway as Penelope; Tom Holland as Telemachus; Charlize Theron as Calypso and Zendaya as Athena.
Nolan wrote the screenplay and shot the entire film with IMAX cameras, emphasizing scale and intensity.
Christopher Nolan, director of the upcoming film “The Odyssey,” speaks during the Universal Pictures and Focus Features presentation at CinemaCon, the official convention of Cinema United, in Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S., April 15, 2026. REUTERS/Caroline Brehman
His previous film, Oppenheimer, earned nearly US$959 million globally and won seven Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director.
