Watch Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey Preview the Way It Was Never Intended for Viewing.
Christopher Nolan's mythic action epic, The Odyssey, is a film audiences have been anticipating since its announcement. It firmly sits as one of the most awaited films of 2026. As a pre-Christmas treat, a preview has now been released, though it's hampered by YouTube's poor compression—perhaps explaining the director's choice to restrict the preview exclusive to cinemas.
A First Glimpse at the Legendary Cast
This first look reveals Matt Damon portraying the king of Ithaca. We also see Tom Holland playing the son and Anne Hathaway depicting the loyal wife. During an emotional scene, the character pleads with Odysseus to promise he will return, to which he respond by asking what occurs should he fail. The trailer also offers a quick, obscured look at Polyphemus the Cyclops, from whom sheep are Odysseus and his crew steal during their arduous journey.
Adapted from a cornerstone in classic storytelling, The Odyssey follows the epic journey undertaken by the famed ruler. After his triumph in the Trojan War, as told in Homer's Iliad, the king faces a long and perilous road home.
Legendary Obstacles with an All-Star Cast
Along his path, the hero encounters countless challenges and legendary creatures. These include the witch-goddess Circe, known for turning humans into pigs, and the deceptive Sirens. Despite these trials, Odysseus vows to overcome anything to reunite with 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, together with Zendaya, Lupita Nyong'o, Robert Pattinson, Elliot Page, and Jon Bernthal.
A Story Repeatedly Told
The classic poem has seen many reinterpretations throughout history. Examples include 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 was long awaited following the project's reveal and a short teaser clip which was initially shown exclusively in theaters. That footage subsequently found its way online shortly thereafter.
To see a clearer version, the trailer posted on the movie's verified account might deliver a better, clearer look.
The Odyssey is scheduled for release in IMAX theaters worldwide on July 17, 2026.