Christopher Nolan’s upcoming epic The Odyssey has sparked widespread online debate after its latest trailer drew criticism over its casting, dialogue and interpretation of Homer’s ancient Greek poem.
The film, scheduled for release in cinemas on July 17, has become one of the year’s most discussed movie releases following claims that its newest trailer received more negative reactions than any previous Nolan production.
Reports circulating online suggest the trailer has accumulated more than 338,000 dislikes compared with about 55,000 likes. However, YouTube removed public dislike counts in 2021, meaning such figures are estimated through third-party browser extensions and cannot be independently verified.
The reported reaction contrasts sharply with the positive reception of trailers for Nolan’s previous films, including Oppenheimer and Tenet.
Much of the discussion has centred on casting choices, particularly Lupita Nyong’o’s portrayal of Helen of Troy. While some viewers questioned the historical interpretation of the character, others criticised the adaptation’s approach to Homer’s classic work. The online debate has also included racist comments directed at the casting, alongside broader discussions about historical accuracy.
The trailer has also faced criticism over some of its dialogue. A line referencing “pining for a daddy” quickly spread across social media, with some viewers arguing the wording felt too modern for a story based on ancient Greek mythology.
Other critics questioned the use of American accents, costume design and armour, while some said the online trailer did not fully showcase the visual quality expected from a film shot entirely using IMAX film cameras.
Some observers have compared the online response to the backlash surrounding Disney’s live-action Snow White trailer. However, direct comparisons remain difficult because dislike counts are unofficial and online campaigns can influence audience metrics.
Despite the controversy, The Odyssey remains one of Hollywood’s most anticipated releases of 2026.
The film stars Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Robert Pattinson, Zendaya, Charlize Theron and Lupita Nyong’o. It also marks the first feature film to be shot entirely using IMAX film cameras, a milestone Nolan has described as a long-held creative ambition.
Whether the online criticism reflects broader audience sentiment is likely to become clearer when The Odyssey opens in cinemas later this month.