Nolan’s ‘The Odyssey’ to Bring Polyphemus to Life with Giant Puppet in Greece

A few months ago news broke that Nolan’s mysterious upcoming project is an adaptation of ‘The Odyssey.’ Universal Pictures announced that Christopher Nolan’s next movie is a global action epic based on Homer’s ‘The Odyssey.’ It will use new IMAX technology and hit theaters on July 17, 2026.

The movie already has a star-studded cast, including Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Zendaya, Lupita Nyong’o, Robert Pattinson, and Charlize Theron. Production is expected to begin in early 2025, with Nolan writing and producing alongside Emma Thomas under their Syncopy banner.

Homer’s ‘The Odyssey’ is one of the oldest stories still read today. It tells the tale of the Greek hero Odysseus and his challenging journey home after the Trojan War.

Several reports have already claimed that Nolan will remain faithful to the more fantastical nature of The Odyssey, which is a first for him, as even his sci-fi films tend to feel somewhat grounded in reality.

Now new reports claim that the movie will feature scenes involving the Cyclops Polyphemus, which will be filmed at Nestor Cave and Voidokilia Beach in Greece between March 13 and March 20, 2025.

To bring Polyphemus to life, a large 6×6 meter mechanical puppet will be constructed inside Nestor’s Cave. This structure will be temporary and made with portable materials to ensure no lasting impact on the cave. Special protective measures, such as geotextile and sand layers, will be used to prevent any damage to the natural site.

Preparations for the filming began in February, including cleaning and securing the entrance to Nestor Cave.

Hearing this, fans were overjoyed that Nolan would lean into practical effects more than it was expected.

This movie is set to release in Imax on July 17, 2026, a date that has been lucky for Nolan’s previous hits like ‘Dark Knight’ and ‘Dunkirk.’

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