See the Director's The Odyssey Trailer the Way It Was Never Intended for Viewing.

Christopher Nolan's mythic action epic, The Odyssey, stands as a movie audiences have been anticipating ever since it was revealed. It firmly sits among the most hotly anticipated films of 2026. In a festive surprise, a preview has now been released, even if it's compromised by YouTube's poor compression—maybe illustrating the director's choice to restrict the preview exclusive to cinemas.

A First Glimpse of the Stellar Ensemble

This first look reveals Matt Damon in the role of the king of Ithaca. We also see Tom Holland playing the son alongside Anne Hathaway as Penelope. During an emotional scene, the character pleads with Odysseus to promise he will return, only for him to look up and question what occurs should he fail. The trailer also offers a quick, obscured look at Polyphemus the Cyclops, from whom sheep are are taken by the hero and his men on their treacherous voyage.

Based upon a cornerstone in classic storytelling, The Odyssey follows the lengthy quest of the legendary King of Ithaca. After his triumph at Troy, which is depicted within the companion epic, Odysseus endures a long and perilous road home.

Legendary Obstacles with an All-Star Cast

On his travels, Odysseus confronts countless challenges and mythical beings. These include the enchantress Circe, known for turning humans into pigs, as well as the treacherous Sirens. Despite these trials, Odysseus vows to overcome anything to reunite with his wife and son on his home island.

This film's ensemble is remarkably star-studded. Joining Damon, Holland, and Hathaway is Charlize Theron as the cunning Circe, alongside Zendaya, Lupita Nyong'o, Robert Pattinson, Elliot Page, and Jon Bernthal.

A Tale of Many Adaptations

Homer's epic has seen many reinterpretations over the years. Examples include contemporary versions to a 1999 ballet. It has even been adapted into a musical titled Epic: The Musical, presented as a multi-part album series.

A full-length preview was long awaited since the film's announcement and a short teaser clip which was initially shown exclusively in theaters. That footage later made its way online soon after.

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 on July 17, 2026.

Heather Johnson
Heather Johnson

Elara is a tech journalist with over a decade of experience covering emerging technologies and consumer electronics.