What to Expect from Christopher Nolan's Epic Film 'The Odyssey' Unveiled at CinemaCon 2026
A Glimpse into 'The Odyssey'
Christopher Nolan's upcoming film, The Odyssey, is generating significant buzz as one of the most anticipated releases of 2026. The excitement reached new heights during its presentation at CinemaCon 2026, where Nolan showcased exclusive footage. The clips offered thrilling insights into key moments from Homer's classic Greek tale, and Nolan's comments on stage further ignited the audience's eagerness for the film's July release.
Highlights from the New Footage
1 - The film's emotional core revolves around family
The newly revealed footage begins with Matt Damon portraying Odysseus, a weary king of Ithaca, engaged in a conversation with Calypso (Charlize Theron), who has kept him on her island for seven years post-Trojan War. A confused Odysseus questions how long he has been there and whether he has a wife, children, or a son.
Nolan emphasized at CinemaCon that the film primarily explores themes of family and the journey home, with Tom Holland playing his son Telemachus and Anne Hathaway as his wife Penelope, forming the emotional backbone of the story.
2 - The Trojan Horse scene is visually stunning
Much of the new footage highlights the iconic Trojan Horse scene, where the Greeks cleverly used the massive wooden structure to infiltrate Troy at the war's end. The footage shows the enormous horse arriving on the shore, with numerous men pulling it from the water before bringing it into the city. Led by Damon and Jon Bernthal, the men launch their nighttime attack once inside.
3 - A groundbreaking IMAX experience
The Odyssey is notable for being the first film ever shot entirely in IMAX, thanks to advancements in quieter camera technology, fulfilling a dream Nolan has had since he was a teenager. He shared that while creating the film was a significant challenge, the production team had an incredible experience, and the film is nearing its final stages of completion.
Nolan received a warm standing ovation at CinemaCon after a tribute video showcasing his previous works. He humorously noted that he would have brought the entire cast to the event, but the 'immense weight of extraordinary talent would have caused the stage to collapse'.
Cast and Release Information
The Odyssey boasts a star-studded cast, including Matt Damon as Odysseus, Anne Hathaway as Penelope, and Tom Holland as Telemachus. Zendaya takes on the role of the goddess Athena, while Robert Pattinson portrays Antinous, one of Penelope's suitors. The film also features performances from Charlize Theron, Lupita Nyong'o, Jon Bernthal, Benny Safdie, Mia Goth, Elliot Page, Samantha Morton, Ryan Hurst, and Travis Scott.
This film marks Nolan's first project since Oppenheimer, which won accolades for Best Picture and Best Director at the 2024 Oscars. Produced by Universal Pictures and Syncopy, The Odyssey was filmed in various stunning locations, including Morocco, Greece, Italy, Iceland, and Scotland. It is set to hit theaters and IMAX worldwide on July 17, 2026.