Christopher Nolan is charting a course from atomic bombs to ancient Greece, and he’s bringing an armada of Hollywood stars with him.
Universal has just unveiled the first glimpse of Matt Damon as the legendary Odysseus in Nolan’s ambitious adaptation of Homer’s epic poem “The Odyssey.” The striking first-look image shows Damon, fresh from his turn in “Oppenheimer,” donning classical military armor in what promises to be one of the most anticipated films of 2026.
The project marks a bold new direction for Nolan, who’s tackling one of Western literature’s most foundational texts. Written in the 8th century BCE, “The Odyssey” chronicles the perilous journey of Odysseus, King of Ithaca, as he battles to return home after the Trojan War. His decade-long voyage pits him against an array of mythological adversaries – from the one-eyed Cyclops Polyphemus to the seductive Sirens, the enchanting witch-goddess Circe, and the nymph Calypso.
True to Nolan’s signature style, the film will be shot using groundbreaking IMAX technology across various global locations. “Christopher Nolan’s next film ‘The Odyssey’ is a mythic action epic shot across the world using brand new IMAX film technology,” Universal Studios announced, confirming a July 17, 2026 release date.
The director has assembled an ensemble cast that reads like a who’s who of Hollywood talent:
- Matt Damon as Odysseus, marking his third collaboration with Nolan after “Interstellar” and “Oppenheimer”
- Tom Holland
- Zendaya
- Robert Pattinson
- Anne Hathaway
- Lupita Nyong’o
- Charlize Theron
- Jon Bernthal
- Benny Safdie
- John Leguizamo
- Elliot Page
- Himesh Patel
- Bill Irwin
- Samantha Morton
- Jesse Garcia
- Will Yun Lee
While specific roles for most cast members remain under wraps, the project has already generated significant buzz among the cast themselves. Holland recently shared on The Dish from Waitrose podcast, “I’m super excited, but it’s been pretty quiet about the project. I met with [Nolan] and it was awesome. He kind of loosely pitched what it is, and I’m sure when he’s ready he’ll announce what it’s about.”
For Damon, this role adds to an already impressive repertoire that includes the Bourne franchise and “Ford v Ferrari.” His extensive experience in action-heavy roles suggests he’ll be well-equipped to bring the legendary Greek hero to life in what promises to be an epic reimagining of this timeless tale.
