Universal Pictures releases the first trailer for Christopher Nolan's 'The Odyssey'. Starring Matt Damon and Tom Holland, this mythic IMAX epic sets a new standard for action cinema. Check out the release details.
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The Voyage of Odysseus Begins with a Global Phenomenon
Universal Pictures has officially released the first footage for what is already being called the most ambitious cinematic event of the decade. Directed by the Academy Award-winner Christopher Nolan, the film titled The Odyssey (known in some regions as La Odisea) has taken the internet by storm, doubling the 24-hour view count of his previous masterpiece, Oppenheimer. This new project marks Nolan’s return to large-scale storytelling, adapting Homer's ancient Greek poem into a "mythic action epic" that leverages revolutionary IMAX technology.
The anticipation surrounding this production is palpable, not only because of Nolan's reputation for technical perfection but also due to the sheer scale of the undertaking. Reports indicate that the director used over 600 kilometers of film stock, and the production spent a massive $250 million to bring the Mediterranean's most famous legend to life. This is Christopher Nolan at his most unfiltered, moving away from historical biopics to embrace the supernatural and mythic elements of the Trojan War aftermath.
What happens in the first trailer of The Odyssey?
The trailer opens with a haunting visual of a burial site, where scores of soldiers lie beneath the earth, setting a somber tone that contrasts with the high-octane action to follow. We hear the voice of Matt Damon, who portrays the legendary king Odysseus, narrating the struggle of men who have been at war for too long. The footage quickly shifts to provide the first look at Tom Holland as Telemachus, the son of the protagonist, who appears determined to navigate the dangerous political and physical waters to find his missing father. Alongside him, Anne Hathaway delivers a brief but emotional moment as Penelope, the wife who waits in Ithaca.
One of the most striking sequences in the The Odyssey trailer shows the iconic Trojan Horse. Unlike previous adaptations, Nolan presents the wooden structure being dragged from the sea, where Odysseus and his elite squad are hidden in total silence. The tension is elevated by a scene where a soldier is cut by a sword piercing the wood and must be kept silent by his comrades to avoid detection. Furthermore, the "mythic" nature of the film is confirmed with a terrifying glimpse of a giant humanoid—potentially the Cyclops—entering a cave where the soldiers are trapped, as well as an eerie shot of the undead rising from the ground.
Production details and the star-studded ensemble cast
In this section, we must look at the technical prowess that defines a Nolan production. The film was shot entirely with new IMAX film technology, making it the first feature-length project to be filmed 100% with these high-resolution cameras. Beyond the technical feats, the The Odyssey cast is arguably the most impressive ensemble ever gathered by the director. Joining Damon, Holland, and Hathaway are major stars such as Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong'o, Charlize Theron, and Jon Bernthal. Each actor brings a layer of gravitas to a story that spans a ten-year journey through storms, sirens, and gods.
According to sources like Variety and The Hollywood Reporter, the film was shot on location in Favignana, Italy, and Scotland, providing a raw and visceral backdrop for the protagonist's journey home. While some early discussions on social media have questioned the historical accuracy of the armor and helmets, the general consensus among industry experts is that Nolan is prioritizing an "emotional and mythic reality" over literal archaeology. The film aims to bridge the gap between the technical brilliance of Dunkirk and the narrative complexity of Inception.
When will The Odyssey be released in theaters?
The official release date for The Odyssey is set for July 17, 2026. Universal Pictures has confirmed that the movie will be available in IMAX and IMAX 70mm formats to ensure that the 600 kilometers of footage are seen in their highest possible quality. Tickets for some special screenings went on sale a year in advance, underscoring the studio's confidence in this being the definitive blockbuster of the summer. With the trailer racking up over 121 million views in a single day, it is clear that the global audience is ready to set sail.
Will Christopher Nolan succeed in creating a profound emotional connection with Odysseus, or will the technical spectacle once again overshadow the human heart of the story?
Everything About The Odyssey (2026)
Key details about Christopher Nolan's mythic action epic.
| Data point | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| First 24h Views | 121.4 Million | Forbes / WaveMetrix |
| Metage Recorded | 600+ Kilometers | Hipertextual |
| Filming Locations | Italy & Scotland | People / IGN |