Director Christopher Nolan has unveiled the final countdown trailer for The Odyssey, offering audiences another look at his highly anticipated adaptation of Homer’s ancient Greek epic ahead of its worldwide theatrical release on July 17.
The teaser, released by Universal Pictures on the studio’s official YouTube channel, highlights the return of Ithaca’s King, Odysseus, as he embarks on his legendary journey home following the Trojan War.
The film stars Matt Damon as Odysseus and features an ensemble cast including Tom Holland as Telemachus, Anne Hathaway as Penelope and Charlize Theron as Calypso. Zendaya, Lupita Nyong’o, Robert Pattinson, 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, Cosmo Jarvis and Corey Hawkins also appear in prominent roles. NFL star Travis Kelce makes a special cameo.
Described by Universal as a mythic action thriller, The Odyssey follows Odysseus during his perilous 10-year voyage back to Ithaca after the Trojan War. Along the way, he encounters mythical figures including Polyphemus, the Sirens and the sorceress Circe before reuniting with his wife, Penelope.
The production marks another technological milestone for Nolan. According to the filmmakers, The Odyssey is the first feature to be shot entirely using IMAX film cameras, made possible by newly developed lightweight equipment that allowed greater flexibility during filming.
Production took place across several international locations, including Greece, Morocco, Italy, Iceland and Scotland. Nolan reunited with longtime cinematographer Hoyte van Hoytema, while Emma Thomas produced the film through Syncopy, with Thomas Hayslip serving as executive producer.
The trailer quickly generated excitement across social media, with fans praising its sweeping visuals and the scale of Nolan’s adaptation. Several viewers also highlighted the film’s cinematography and star-studded cast.
Speaking previously about the project, Nolan described The Odyssey as one of his most challenging productions.
“You work on something a long time, you care about it a lot, but movies belong to the audience,” the Oscar-winning filmmaker said. “It’s kind of in the eye of the beholder.”
The Odyssey opens in cinemas worldwide on July 17, 2026.