The Odyssey: all the information we have about Christopher Nolan's upcoming film at this point.

      Academy Award-winning filmmaker Christopher Nolan (Oppenheimer) has generated significant buzz surrounding his upcoming film, The Odyssey. Given the breadth of Nolan’s previous works, it came as a surprise to many that he decided to venture into a grand Greek fantasy. Nevertheless, with his history of successful films like The Dark Knight, Inception, Interstellar, and Dunkirk, his latest project was sure to be a major blockbuster event, regardless of the concept.

      As The Odyssey remains in production, information about Nolan's new epic has been kept largely confidential. However, enough details have surfaced to indicate that this film will be his most ambitious project to date. To clarify any uncertainties regarding the movie, here are all the known facts and circulating rumors about The Odyssey so far.

      When is The Odyssey set to be released?

      It was shared on X that The Odyssey is planned to hit theaters on July 17, 2026. However, unlike the “Barbenheimer” phenomenon, there are currently no other major films scheduled to release simultaneously with The Odyssey.

      What is the storyline of The Odyssey?

      Penguin Random House / Penguin Random House

      Inspired by the classic Greek poem by Homer, The Odyssey narrates the tale of Odysseus, the king of Ithaca, as he embarks on a long journey home following the Trojan War, facing various trials from gods and monsters along the way. Meanwhile, his wife Penelope and their son Telemachus grapple with suitors seeking Penelope's hand in marriage during his absence.

      Who is involved in The Odyssey?

      Hella Cinema / Wiki Commons

      Christopher Nolan will write and direct the film, alongside his wife and long-time collaborator, Emma Thomas, who will also produce. With an estimated budget of $250 million, as reported by Puck, The Odyssey is set to be Nolan's most expensive film to date. This will also mark Nolan's second collaboration with Universal Pictures after Oppenheimer in 2023.

      Cinematography for the film will be handled by Swedish cinematographer Hoyte van Hoytema, who won an Academy Award for his work on Oppenheimer. Hoytema has previously collaborated with Nolan on Dunkirk, Interstellar, and Tenet. Universal announced on X that Nolan will utilize "brand new IMAX technology" for filming The Odyssey.

      Who is in the cast of The Odyssey?

      Universal / Universal

      Similar to Oppenheimer, The Odyssey is gearing up to be a star-studded blockbuster. Actor Matt Damon has been confirmed for the lead role, but he will be joined by numerous renowned actors from Hollywood, many of whom are repeat collaborators with Nolan. However, the specifics of the supporting cast's roles are still unclear.

      Matt Damon as Odysseus

      Tom Holland

      Anne Hathaway

      Zendaya

      Lupita Nyong’o

      Robert Pattinson

      Charlize Theron

      Jon Bernthal

      Benny Safdie

      John Leguizamo

      Elliot Page

      Himesh Patel

      Bill Irwin

      Samantha Morton

      Jesse Garcia

      Will Yun Lee

      Rafi Gavron

      Shiloh Fernandez

      Mia Goth

      Corey Hawkins

      Hick E. Tarabay

      Jimmy Gonzales

      Maurie Compte

      Michael Vlamis

      Iddo Goldberg

      Josh Stewart

      Cosmo Jarvis

      Given Nolan's A-list reputation and the substantial budget for The Odyssey, it's understandable that he attracted so many notable actors.

      Although it was rumored that Tom Holland would take on the lead role, the confirmation of Damon as Odysseus implies that Holland may portray another significant character, likely Telemachus.

      Where and when will The Odyssey be filmed?

      Universal announced on X that The Odyssey will be a "mythic action epic filmed around the world," and production has already begun. Filming commenced around February 2025 in Aït Benhaddou, a fortified village in Morocco.

      Variety also reports that filming for The Odyssey will take place in Sicily, likely on the Aeolian Islands, particularly the island of Favignana mentioned in Homer's original text. Additionally, Ekathimerini.com has indicated that the production will occur in the Peloponnese Region of southern Greece, specifically at Methoni Castle, Voidokilia Beach, and the archaeological site of the Acrocorinth palace.

      Overall, Nolan's decision to use actual locations in Greece evidences his desire to create a realistic adaptation of The Odyssey. For the scenes being filmed in Greece, the production has partnered with the NAF branch of Faliro House Productions. Nonetheless, some filming will also take place in the United Kingdom.

      How will Nolan depict the monsters in The Odyssey?

      Universal Pictures / Universal Pictures

      Nolan’s choice to adapt The Odyssey is unexpected, as the narrative features Odysseus battling enormous monsters like the Cyclops Polyphemus, the Sirens, and the six-headed sea creature Scylla. Considering Nolan's reputation for