Watch the Director's This Epic Preview the Way It Was Never Intended for Viewing.
Christopher Nolan's mythic action epic, The Odyssey, is a film we've been eagerly awaiting ever since it was revealed. It easily ranks among the most hotly anticipated films of 2026. As a pre-Christmas treat, a trailer has finally arrived, though it's hampered due to the platform's low-quality encoding—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 in the role of the king of Ithaca. We also see Tom Holland playing the son and Anne Hathaway as Penelope. During an emotional scene, the character pleads with her husband to vow he will return, to which he respond by asking what happens if he cannot. The trailer also offers a quick, obscured look of the mythical one-eyed giant, whose flock Odysseus and his crew steal during their arduous journey.
Adapted from a cornerstone of Western literature, The Odyssey follows the lengthy quest of the legendary King of Ithaca. After his triumph at Troy, which is depicted in Homer's Iliad, the king faces an extended and hazardous return to his homeland.
Mythical Encounters with an All-Star Cast
Along his path, the hero encounters numerous obstacles and legendary creatures. These include the witch-goddess Circe, known for turning humans into pigs, as well as the treacherous Sirens. Regardless of these ordeals, his sworn oath is to overcome anything to get back to his wife and son in Ithaca.
This film's ensemble is remarkably star-studded. Joining Damon, Holland, and Hathaway is Charlize Theron as the cunning Circe, 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 contemporary versions and a late-90s dance production. There has even been adapted into a musical titled Epic: The Musical, released in the form of a multi-part album series.
The official trailer has been highly anticipated following the project's reveal and a short teaser clip that previously played exclusively in theaters. That teaser subsequently found its way online shortly thereafter.
To see a clearer version, the trailer posted on the movie's verified account may provide enhanced visual quality.
The Odyssey will debut on global IMAX screens next summer.
