Video Shows Set Construction for Nolan’s ‘The Odyssey’ Has Begun in Morocco
Excitement is building as Christopher Nolan’s next big project, ‘The Odyssey’, starts taking shape in Morocco. A video recently surfaced showing the crew hard at work constructing huge sets in Aït Ben-Haddou, a historic village known for its ancient kasbahs. This marks the beginning of what promises to be an epic adventure, bringing Homer’s legendary tale to life in a way only Nolan can.
I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw the footage. The sets look massive, with towering stone structures and dusty streets that scream ancient Greece. It’s clear they’re not cutting corners—this is a full-on recreation of a mythic world. The village’s rugged cliffs and desert vibe add a raw, timeless feel that fits perfectly with the story of Odysseus and his long journey home after the Trojan War.
First look at the set construction of Christopher Nolan's 'THE ODYSSEY' which has begun in Aït Ben-Haddou, Morocco.
— Feature First 🍿🎬 (@Feature_First) January 22, 2025
The film, starring Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Zendaya, Anne Hathaway, Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong'o and Charlize Theron, hits theaters on July 17th, 2026. pic.twitter.com/T38CNYZND7
Nolan’s got a knack for picking stunning locations. Aït Ben-Haddou isn’t new to Hollywood—it’s been featured in films like ‘Gladiator’ and shows like ‘Game of Thrones’. But seeing it transformed for ‘The Odyssey’ feels special. The crew has been busy for weeks, and word is they’ve built everything from scratch to match the scale of this Greek epic. We’re talking temples, fortress walls, and more, all designed to pop on IMAX screens.
The cast alone is enough to get anyone talking. Matt Damon steps into the lead role as Odysseus, the clever king facing gods and monsters to get back to Ithaca. Then there’s Tom Holland as Telemachus, his son, alongside Anne Hathaway as Penelope, the loyal wife holding things together at home. Add in heavy hitters like Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong’o, and Charlize Theron, and you’ve got a lineup that’s pure gold.
What’s cool is how this ties into Nolan’s track record. After ‘Oppenheimer’ cleaned up at the Oscars in 2024, he’s jumping straight into another huge story. ‘The Odyssey’ isn’t just a follow-up—it’s his first crack at Greek mythology, and he’s going big. The film’s set to hit theaters on July 17, 2026, and with IMAX cameras rolling, we’re in for a visual feast.
The video doesn’t show any actors yet, but it’s early days. Filming kicked off in February, and they’ve got months ahead to capture the battles, shipwrecks, and supernatural twists of Homer’s tale. Morocco’s just the start—plans are in place to shoot in Sicily and other Mediterranean spots too. It’s like Nolan’s taking us on Odysseus’s journey for real.
For those who don’t know, ‘The Odyssey’ follows Odysseus after the Trojan War. He spends ten years fighting to get home, tangling with the Cyclops, sirens, and tricky gods like Poseidon. Back in Ithaca, Penelope and Telemachus deal with suitors who think he’s dead. It’s a story packed with action and heart, and I can’t wait to see how Nolan spins it.
With a budget reportedly topping $250 million, this could be Nolan’s priciest film yet. But if ‘Oppenheimer’ taught us anything, it’s that he knows how to make every dollar count. The sets in that video? They’re proof he’s not messing around. This is shaping up to be a wild ride, and I’m already counting the days until 2026.