Upcoming Project by Christopher Nolan: Film Version of Homer's Epic Tale, The Odyssey
The long-standing guesswork is finally put to rest. Universal graced social media on a Monday, giving movie enthusiasts worldwide a delightful surprise: the first authentic synopsis of Christopher Nolan's forthcoming cinematic endeavor. It's titled The Odyssey, yes, a reinterpretation of Homer's epic verse.
As per the announcement, The Odyssey is an inimitable blend of mythological action, shot globally with state-of-the-art IMAX cinematography. The classic tale of Homer's seminal saga graces IMAX screens worldwide for the first time on July 17, 2026.
Penned centuries prior to Christ's birth, The Odyssey serves as a continuation to The Illiad. It chronicles the journey of the legendary Greek hero, Odysseus, as he returns home following the Trojan War. A sprawling tale rife with mythical beasts, combats, and more, it is a tale of timeless appeal that has been reimagined across various mediums and eras. But, with Nolan at the helm, anticipate nothing less than the biggest, truest, and most colossal adaptation yet. And it marks a departure from earlier conjectures about the film, such as its theme being centred around airborne law enforcers or the one propagated by this site, which centred on a period film concerning vampires. At least it is a historic-era film.
Matt Damon, Charlize Theron, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, and Lupita Nyong'o lend their talents to the project, but no word on character assignments yet. But let's engage in some guesswork. We're inclined, and this enlightening nugget originates from my io9 collaborator Sabina Graves, to envision Damon as Odysseus, Holland as his son Telemachus, Hathaway as Penelope, Theron as Athena, Pattinson as Poseidon (or the Cyclops), Nyong'o as Circe, and Zendaya as Calypso. Yet, merely speculation.
And what’s this “revolutionary IMAX film technology” the studio boasts? Sounds thrilling. But not as exhilarating as Nolan embarking on the pinnacle story of his career thus far, and perhaps his second Oscar.
Directed by Christopher Nolan, The Odyssey graces the big screen on July 17, 2026.
Keen on additional io9 updates? Check out the impending Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, the future of the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you require to know about the fate of Doctor Who.
The announcement about Christopher Nolan's film, titled The Odyssey, mentions that it will be shot globally using cutting-edge IMAX technology.io9 recently shared an article debunking rumors about the film's theme, revealing that it's not a period film about vampires, but rather a historic-era adaptation.
