Matt Damon Transforms Into Odysseus in a New Look at Nolan’s ‘The Odyssey’
A new image showing Matt Damon as Odysseus in Christopher Nolan’s upcoming film The Odyssey has drawn fresh attention to the project. The movie is in post- production stages, but details about its cast, story, and scale continue to build interest.
The film is Nolan’s take on Homer’s ancient Greek epic. It follows Odysseus, the ruler of Ithaca, as he tries to return home after the Trojan War. His journey is long and dangerous, filled with mythical creatures and major obstacles. The main emotional thread is his goal to reunite with his wife, Penelope.
Anne Hathaway plays Penelope in the film, while Matt Damon leads as Odysseus. The story also includes his son Telemachus, played by Tom Holland. Other major roles include Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong’o, Zendaya, and Charlize Theron. Zendaya plays Athena, who guides and protects Odysseus, while Theron plays Calypso, a figure who keeps him trapped on an island.
New look at Matt Damon as Odysseus in Christopher Nolan's ‘THE ODYSSEY’. pic.twitter.com/aaw3G3AbmT
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) April 29, 2026
The project is written and directed by Christopher Nolan, with production handled by Nolan and Emma Thomas through their company Syncopy. Development began in 2024, with the film quickly moving forward under Universal Pictures. Casting was carried out between late 2024 and early 2025, and Damon was confirmed as the lead early in 2025.
Nolan’s version focuses on a more grounded approach to Greek mythology. He has drawn inspiration from Emily Wilson’s 2017 translation of The Odyssey and from older visual storytelling styles linked to filmmaker Ray Harryhausen.
Filming took place across several countries, including Morocco, Greece, Italy, Scotland, Iceland, Malta, and Western Sahara. Some parts were also shot in Los Angeles on soundstages. The production is large in scale and is reported to have a budget of around 250 million dollars, making it the most expensive film of Nolan’s career so far. It is also his first film fully shot using IMAX 70 mm cameras.
The cast includes many well-known actors in both main and supporting roles. Alongside the lead names, the film features Jon Bernthal, Benny Safdie, John Leguizamo, Himesh Patel, Mia Goth, and others. There is also a long list of additional cast members whose roles have not been revealed yet.
The movie has already sparked discussion even before release, especially around its costume design and how closely it reflects historical detail. These conversations have added to the early attention surrounding the project.
The Odyssey is scheduled to be released in the United States on July 17, through Universal Pictures.
This film is shaping up to be one of the biggest releases in years. The cast is strong, and Nolan usually brings a clear vision to large projects like this. At the same time, adapting a story like The Odyssey is not easy, and expectations are very high. It will be interesting to see how audiences react when it finally comes out. What do you think about this version of The Odyssey? Share your thoughts in the comments.