Watch Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey Trailer the Way It Wasn't Meant to Be Seen.

Christopher Nolan'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 motion pictures coming next year. In a festive surprise, a preview has now been released, 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 at the Legendary Cast

This first look reveals Matt Damon in the role of the king of Ithaca. We also see Tom Holland as Telemachus and Anne Hathaway as Penelope. During an emotional scene, the character pleads with her husband to vow his safe homecoming, only for him to look up and question what occurs should he fail. The trailer also offers a brief, shadowy glimpse at Polyphemus the Cyclops, whose flock are taken by the hero and his men on their treacherous voyage.

Adapted from a foundational pillar in classic storytelling, The Odyssey follows the epic journey undertaken by the famed ruler. Following his victory at Troy, which is depicted in Homer's Iliad, the king faces an extended and hazardous road home.

Legendary Obstacles and a Star-Studded Lineup

On his travels, the hero encounters numerous obstacles and mythical beings. This roster features the enchantress Circe, who transforms men into swine, 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. Joining Damon, Holland, and Hathaway is Charlize Theron portraying the shrewd goddess, alongside 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. These range from modern retellings to a 1999 ballet. It has even been a stage musical adaptation titled Epic: The Musical, presented as a nine-album collection.

A full-length preview has been highly anticipated following the project's reveal and a brief teaser that previously played only on the big screen. That footage subsequently found its way onto the internet shortly thereafter.

To see a clearer version, the preview available via the film's official social channel may provide enhanced visual quality.

The Odyssey is scheduled for release on global IMAX screens on July 17, 2026.