The Odyssey, starring Matt Damon, receives its first trailer from Christopher Nolan.

One of the most visionary directors of contemporary cinema, Christopher Nolan, has provided audiences with their first substantial look at his next ambitious project, The Odyssey. The first official trailer for the movie was released online after years of anticipation and hints from early casting and production photos. It gives a tantalizing look at what promises to be one of the most talked-about movies in 2026. Adapted from Homer’s ancient Greek epic poem, The Odyssey chronicles the legendary journey of Odysseus, the king of Ithaca, as he struggles to return home after the Trojan War.

The story is brought to life on a massive scale thanks to Nolan's cinematic interpretation, which combines mythic adventure with cutting-edge filmmaking techniques. Matt Damon, who plays Odysseus, is at the center of the movie. He gives a commanding performance in the dramatic scenes in the trailer. From rugged coastlines to stormy seas, the visuals capture the perilous odyssey that the hero must endure over the course of a decade. Anne Hathaway will play Penelope, Odysseus' faithful wife, and Tom Holland will play Telemachus, his determined son, alongside Damon. The star-studded cast is completed by Zendaya, Lupita Nyong'o, Robert Pattinson, Charlize Theron, and several other prominent actors who play both human and divine characters.

The trailer opens with a voiceover that sets the tone for the epic narrative: Odysseus, battle-worn and longing for home, reflects on the aftermath of war and the long road ahead. Quick cuts show Greek soldiers marching, rough seas battering ships, and tantalizing glimpses of mythical encounters. These early scenes underscore the film’s blend of emotional depth and high-stakes action, suggesting that Nolan’s adaptation will not shy away from the darker, more existential elements of Homer’s original poem.

The Odyssey is a bold departure for Nolan from his previous work, most notably Oppenheimer, his critically acclaimed biopic that won Oscars and reaffirmed his status as one of the most respected filmmakers in the industry. The Odyssey promises a mythological adventure that is meant to be experienced on the largest possible cinematic canvas rather than an intimate historical drama. One of the most striking aspects of the production is its technical ambition.

The film was shot using IMAX film cameras, a choice that reflects Nolan’s long-standing commitment to traditional filmmaking formats and immersive visual storytelling. This will mark one of the first major feature films to be shot entirely with new 70mm IMAX technology, a decision that director Nolan and his team hope will elevate the visual texture and scale of the narrative.

Production of the film spanned several international locations, with scenes captured across Europe and North Africa. As Odysseus wanders, he encounters challenges that test not only his physical strength but also his perseverance, moral resolve, and connection to his family in these various settings.

With select IMAX screenings scheduled well in advance of the film's official premiere and tickets quickly selling out in some markets, The Odyssey's release strategy has already generated buzz. The widespread enthusiasm highlights the eagerness of audiences to see a mythic narrative brought to life by a filmmaker of Nolan’s caliber — particularly one who has repeatedly pushed the boundaries of cinematic storytelling.

Beyond the trailer’s spectacle, the emotional core of The Odyssey lies in its exploration of loss, resilience, and the universal desire for home. These timeless themes, embedded in Homer’s ancient text, find renewed resonance in Nolan’s adaptation. Audiences witness not just the physical trials of Odysseus’s journey, but the psychological weight of a hero caught between duty and yearning.

With its release date set for July 17, 2026, The Odyssey is positioned to be a major cinematic event next summer. As viewers study the trailer’s imagery and speculate about the film’s narrative choices, one thing is clear: Nolan’s reinterpretation of this legendary tale is shaping up to be an unforgettable blend of classic storytelling and modern filmmaking prowess.

From its breathtaking visuals to its evocative performances, The Odyssey reflects both the enduring power of ancient myth and the boundless potential of the cinematic medium. For fans of epic storytelling and auteurs alike, this film may well redefine expectations for how timeless tales can be reimagined for the 21st-century screen.