Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey releases epic first look trailer with star-stacked cast for mythological adventure

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So, it’s been nearly a year since Christopher Nolan first let us know he was tackling The Odyssey, and honestly, the buzz has been steadily building ever since. I’ve been following the news closely, and it feels like excitement is really starting to peak. As a movie critic, I’m incredibly eager to see what he does with such a classic story.

Universal Pictures has released a full trailer for their upcoming film, giving us the best preview yet of what to expect next summer. The nearly two-minute trailer showcases Matt Damon as Odysseus and Tom Holland as Telemachus, and hints at a grand and impressive story.

A dramatic score accompanies the main character’s journey across beaches, through forests, and over rough seas. We catch quick looks at the mythical creatures he meets along the way. Throughout it all, we hear a voiceover from Damon stating: “After years of war, nothing could stop my men from returning home—not even myself.”

Right at the end of the trailer, Anne Hathaway, playing Penelope, tearfully asks Odysseus to promise he’ll return home. He responds with a troubling question: “What if I can’t?”

Check out the trailer in full below:

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This is the first widely released footage from the film. However, audiences who saw Avatar: Fire and Ash in IMAX theaters starting Friday were able to watch a five-minute opening sequence from Nolan’s new movie. It’s currently unknown if this preview will be available online later.

With its strong source material, a fantastic cast, and a director known for creating impressive cinematic experiences, The Odyssey was already one of the most eagerly awaited films of 2026 – and this new trailer only increased the excitement.

In addition to Matt Damon, Tom Holland, and Anne Hathaway, Christopher Nolan’s new version of the classic story will feature performances by Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong’o, Zendaya, Charlize Theron, Jon Bernthal, Benny Safdie, Mia Goth, and a large ensemble of other talented actors.

This will be the director’s first movie following the huge success of Oppenheimer, which won him an Oscar. He’s working again with several key members of the Oppenheimer team who also received Academy Awards, like cinematographer Hoyte van Hoytema, composer Ludwig Göransson, and editor Jennifer Lame.

The movie tells the story of Odysseus, the famous king of Ithaca, and his difficult trip back home after the Trojan War. Along the way, he faces mythical creatures like the Cyclops Polyphemus, the dangerous Sirens, and the powerful witch Circe, all while trying to return to his wife, Penelope.

That summer release date can’t come soon enough…

The Odyssey will be released in cinemas on 17th July 2026.

Authors

Patrick CremonaSenior Film Writer

Patrick Cremona is TopMob’s Senior Film Writer, covering new movies released in theaters and on streaming platforms. He’s been with the site since October 2019, and during that time has interviewed many famous actors and reviewed films of all kinds.

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2025-12-22 19:37