View the Director's The Odyssey Preview the Way It Wasn't Meant for Viewing.
Christopher Nolan's mythic action epic, The Odyssey, stands as a movie we've been eagerly awaiting ever since it was revealed. It easily ranks among the most hotly anticipated films of 2026. As a pre-Christmas treat, a preview has now been released, even if it's compromised by YouTube's poor compression—maybe illustrating why Nolan initially kept the trailer solely for theatrical audiences.
The Initial Look at the Legendary Cast
This first look reveals Matt Damon portraying the king of Ithaca. We also see Tom Holland playing the son alongside Anne Hathaway depicting the loyal wife. In a poignant moment, Penelope asks Odysseus to promise his safe homecoming, to which he respond by asking what happens if he cannot. The trailer also offers a brief, shadowy glimpse of the mythical one-eyed giant, whose flock Odysseus and his crew steal on their treacherous voyage.
Adapted from a foundational pillar of Western literature, The Odyssey follows the epic journey undertaken by the famed ruler. Following his victory at Troy, which is depicted within the companion epic, Odysseus endures a long and perilous return to his homeland.
Legendary Obstacles with an All-Star Cast
On his travels, Odysseus confronts numerous obstacles and mythical beings. This roster features the enchantress Circe, known for turning humans into pigs, and the deceptive Sirens. Despite these trials, his sworn oath is to overcome anything to get back to Penelope and Telemachus in Ithaca.
This film's ensemble is remarkably star-studded. Joining Damon, Holland, and Hathaway are Charlize Theron as the cunning Circe, together with Zendaya, Lupita Nyong'o, Robert Pattinson, Elliot Page, and Jon Bernthal.
A Story Repeatedly Told
Homer's epic 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 multi-part album series.
A full-length preview has been highly anticipated following the project's reveal and a brief teaser 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 may provide enhanced visual quality.
The Odyssey is scheduled for release on global IMAX screens next summer.
