The OdysseyMovie: All About Christopher Nolan's Next Star-Studded Film (Featuring a Zendaya and Tom Holland On-Screen Reunion!)

Mar. 15, 2025

Matt Damon in ‘The Odyssey’.Photo:Universal Pictures/ Instagram

Universal Pictures/ Instagram

Christopher Nolanis tackling his next big blockbuster with an iconic tale: Homer’sThe Odyssey.

In December 2024, Universal Pictures confirmed the Oscar-winning director’s upcoming project onX, writing, “Christopher Nolan’s next film ‘The Odyssey’ is a mythic action epic shot across the world using brand new IMAX film technology.”

“The film brings Homer’s foundational saga to IMAX film screens for the first time and opens in theaters everywhere on July 17, 2026,” the post continued.

Nolan’s adaptation will feature a starry cast as they take on the Greek epic, includingMatt Damonas Odysseus,Tom Holland,Anne Hathaway,Zendaya,Robert Pattinson,Lupita Nyong’oandCharlize Theron.

While this marks a new chapter in the story’s cinematic journey,The Odysseyhas been adapted for the screen several times. Earlier versions include the 1997 miniseriesThe Odyssey, starring Armand Assante and Greta Scacchi, as well as the 1954 Italian filmUlysses, which starredKirk Douglas, Silvana Mangano and Anthony Quinn. More recently,Ralph FiennesandJuliette Binochetold the tale in 2024’sThe Return.

From the cast to the release date, here’s everything to know about Christopher Nolan’s next project,The Odyssey.

What willTheOdysseybe about?

Christopher Nolan attends the 2024 EE BAFTA Film Awards at The Royal Festival Hall on February 18, 2024 in London.Samir Hussein/WireImage

Samir Hussein/WireImage

Universal Pictures shared on X that Nolan’s project would tell the story of Homer’s ancient Greek poem,The Odyssey.

The timeless tale unfolds across 24 non-linear books, chronicling the perilous, 10-year journey of Odysseus, the King of Ithaca, as he returns home after the Trojan War. His wife, Penelope, and their son, Telemachus, struggle to maintain order back home, where a handful of suitors compete for Penelope’s affection, under the assumption that Odysseus is dead.

Telemachus sets out on a secret journey to discover any news of his father. He encounters Nestor and Menelaus — two men who fought with Odysseus in the war at Troy — and learns that he is still alive.

Meanwhile, along his journey, Odysseus encounters iconic figures from Greek mythology, including the nymph Calypso, the sorceress Circe and the goddess Athena, all while striving to reunite with his family. After being held captive and facing multiple shipwrecks, Odysseus finally returns home to Ithaca, where he must devise a plan to rid his home of the suitors and take back control of his kingdom.

Who is in the cast ofThe Odyssey?

Tom Holland; Anne Hathaway; Matt Damon.Michael TRAN / AFP; John Nacion/Getty; Kevin Mazur/Getty

Michael TRAN / AFP; John Nacion/Getty; Kevin Mazur/Getty

Nolan’s adaptation ofThe Odysseyboasts a star-studded cast ready to bring the ancient Greek epic to life.

In February 2025, Universal Pictures announced that Damon will play the lead character,Odysseus. He previously starred in Nolan’s latest film,Oppenheimer, marking a reunion between the actor and director.

Hathaway is also set to join the ensemble, reuniting with Nolan after starring in 2012’sThe Dark Night Risesand 2014’sInterstellar.

The Odysseyalso marks anon-screen reunionbetweenreal-life coupleZendaya and Holland, who starred together in theSpider-Manmovies, which they are both widely recognized for.

Holland shared onGood Morning Americain October 2024 that he was “incredibly excited” and “obviously honored” when Nolan called him with the casting news — despite not knowing any details about the project.

“When the opportunity came in, it was the phone call of a lifetime,” theUnchartedactor said. “It was reminiscent of getting the call about Spider-Man 10 years ago. It’s an amazing thing for me. I’m super proud and I’m really, really excited.”

Who is directingThe Odyssey?

Christopher Nolan, winner of the Best Directing award and the Best Picture award for ‘Oppenheimer,’ poses in the press room during the 96th Annual Academy Awards at Ovation Hollywood on March 10, 2024 in Hollywood, California.Rodin Eckenroth/Getty

Rodin Eckenroth/Getty

Nolan also gained recognition for writing and directing acclaimed films such as 2010’sInception,2014’sInterstellarand 2020’sTenet.

When willThe Odysseybe released?

Matt Damon in ‘The Odyssey’.Universal Pictures

Universal Pictures

The Odysseyis slated to be released in theaters on July 17, 2026.

source: people.com