Watch the Director's This Epic Trailer the Way It Was Never Intended for Viewing.
Christopher Nolan's mythic action epic, The Odyssey, is a film we've been eagerly awaiting since its announcement. It firmly sits among the most hotly anticipated motion pictures coming next year. As a pre-Christmas treat, a trailer has finally arrived, even if it's compromised by YouTube's poor compression—perhaps explaining the director's choice to restrict the trailer solely for theatrical audiences.
The Initial Look at the Legendary Cast
This first look showcases Matt Damon portraying the king of Ithaca. Audiences are introduced to Tom Holland playing the son and Anne Hathaway depicting the loyal wife. During an emotional scene, the character pleads with Odysseus to promise his safe homecoming, to which he look up and question what happens if he cannot. Furthermore, the preview provides a quick, obscured look at Polyphemus the Cyclops, whose flock Odysseus and his crew steal on their treacherous voyage.
Adapted from a cornerstone of Western literature, The Odyssey follows the epic journey undertaken by the famed ruler. Following his victory at Troy, which is depicted in Homer's Iliad, Odysseus endures a long and perilous road home.
Mythical Encounters and a Star-Studded Lineup
Along his path, Odysseus confronts numerous obstacles and mythical beings. These include the witch-goddess Circe, known for turning humans into pigs, and the deceptive Sirens. Regardless of these ordeals, Odysseus vows to do whatever it takes to reunite with Penelope and Telemachus on his home island.
The adaptation's cast boasts an impressive lineup. Joining Damon, Holland, and Hathaway is Charlize Theron portraying the shrewd goddess, together with Zendaya, Lupita Nyong'o, Robert Pattinson, Elliot Page, and Jon Bernthal.
A Tale of Many Adaptations
Homer's epic has seen many reinterpretations over the years. Examples include contemporary versions to a 1999 ballet. There has even been a stage musical adaptation called 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 later made its way online soon after.
To see a clearer version, the preview available via the film's official social channel may provide a better, clearer look.
The Odyssey will debut in IMAX theaters worldwide on July 17, 2026.
