Summary:
- Christopher Nolan’s next film, The Odyssey, will adapt Homer’s epic poem and release globally on July 17, 2026, via Universal Pictures.
- The movie will feature a stellar cast, including Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Zendaya, Anne Hathaway, and Robert Pattinson.
- This mythic action epic will be shot using cutting-edge IMAX technology, marking Nolan’s first venture into Greek mythology.
- Nolan’s announcement follows his recent success with Oppenheimer and being knighted by King Charles III in December 2024.
Christopher Nolan, the celebrated filmmaker behind cinematic masterpieces like Inception and Oppenheimer, has officially announced his next ambitious project: an adaptation of Homer’s epic poem The Odyssey. Universal Pictures confirmed on December 23, 2024, that the film will premiere globally on July 17, 2026, marking the first time this foundational literary work will be brought to life on IMAX screens.
Described as a “mythic action epic,” the film will utilize groundbreaking IMAX technology and feature a star-studded cast, including Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Zendaya, Anne Hathaway, Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong’o, and Charlize Theron. Production is set to begin in early 2025, with Nolan collaborating once again with his wife and longtime producer Emma Thomas. This marks a reunion for Nolan with actors such as Damon and Hathaway, who previously worked with him on Oppenheimer and Interstellar, respectively.
Homer’s The Odyssey, an enduring classic of Western literature dating back to the 8th century BCE, chronicles the perilous journey of Odysseus as he attempts to return home following the Trojan War. Along the way, he encounters gods, monsters, and otherworldly challenges. While Nolan has previously explored historical and fantastical themes—such as in The Prestige and Interstellar—this adaptation represents a significant departure into mythological storytelling. Fans are already speculating how Nolan’s signature non-linear narrative style might reshape the ancient tale.
Nolan’s decision to tackle The Odyssey follows a monumental year in his career. His 2023 biographical drama Oppenheimer not only grossed nearly $1 billion at the global box office but also earned him his first Academy Awards for Best Director and Best Picture. In addition to these accolades, Nolan was knighted by King Charles III in December 2024 for his contributions to cinema.
This adaptation will join a long history of cinematic interpretations of Homer’s work. Previous adaptations include Mario Camerini’s Ulysses (1954), starring Kirk Douglas, and Andrei Konchalovsky’s 1997 miniseries The Odyssey. However, Nolan’s version is expected to bring a fresh perspective with its epic scale and technological innovations.
While details about character roles remain under wraps, Tom Holland expressed his excitement about joining the project in an interview: “I don’t really know what it’s about yet… but meeting [Nolan] was incredible.” With anticipation building among fans and critics alike, The Odyssey is poised to become another landmark achievement in Christopher Nolan’s illustrious career.
Source: Hollywood Reporter
