Watch Christopher Nolan's This Epic Preview the Way It Wasn't Meant to Be Seen.
The acclaimed filmmaker's mythic action epic, The Odyssey, is a film we've been eagerly awaiting ever since it was revealed. It firmly sits as one of the most awaited films of 2026. As a pre-Christmas treat, a preview has now been released, though it's hampered by YouTube's poor compression—perhaps explaining the director's choice to restrict the trailer solely for theatrical audiences.
A First Glimpse at the Legendary Cast
The debut footage reveals Matt Damon in the role of the king of Ithaca. We also see Tom Holland playing the son and Anne Hathaway depicting the loyal wife. In a poignant moment, the character pleads with Odysseus to promise his safe homecoming, to which he look up and question what occurs should he fail. The trailer also offers a quick, obscured look of the mythical one-eyed giant, from whom sheep are Odysseus and his crew steal on their treacherous voyage.
Based upon a foundational pillar in classic storytelling, The Odyssey chronicles the lengthy quest of the legendary King of Ithaca. After his triumph in the Trojan War, which is depicted in Homer's Iliad, the king faces an extended and hazardous road home.
Mythical Encounters with an All-Star Cast
On his travels, the hero encounters numerous obstacles and mythical beings. These include the witch-goddess Circe, known for turning humans into pigs, and the deceptive Sirens. Despite these trials, his sworn oath is to overcome anything to reunite with Penelope and Telemachus in Ithaca.
The adaptation's cast is remarkably star-studded. Joining Damon, Holland, and Hathaway are Charlize Theron as the cunning Circe, alongside Zendaya, Lupita Nyong'o, Robert Pattinson, Elliot Page, and Jon Bernthal.
A Tale of Many Adaptations
The classic poem has seen numerous adaptations over the years. These range from contemporary versions and a late-90s dance production. There has even been adapted into a musical called Epic: The Musical, presented as a nine-album collection.
A full-length preview has been highly anticipated since the film's announcement and a short teaser clip that previously played exclusively in theaters. That teaser later made its way online soon after.
To see a clearer version, the trailer posted on the film's official social channel may provide enhanced visual quality.
The Odyssey is scheduled for release on global IMAX screens on July 17, 2026.
