See Christopher Nolan's This Epic Preview in a Manner It Wasn't Meant to Be Seen.
Christopher Nolan's legendary action saga, The Odyssey, is a film we've been eagerly awaiting ever since it was revealed. It firmly sits among the most hotly anticipated films of 2026. In a festive surprise, a preview has now been released, though it's hampered due to the platform's low-quality encoding—perhaps explaining the director's choice to restrict the preview exclusive to cinemas.
A First Glimpse at the Legendary Cast
The debut footage reveals Matt Damon portraying Odysseus. Audiences are introduced to Tom Holland playing the son alongside Anne Hathaway as Penelope. In a poignant moment, the character pleads with Odysseus to promise he will return, to which he look up and question what happens if he cannot. The trailer also offers a quick, obscured look at Polyphemus the Cyclops, from whom sheep are Odysseus and his crew steal on their treacherous voyage.
Adapted from a foundational pillar in classic storytelling, The Odyssey follows the epic journey of the legendary King of Ithaca. After his triumph at Troy, which is depicted in Homer's Iliad, the king faces an extended and hazardous road home.
Legendary Obstacles with an All-Star Cast
On his travels, the hero encounters numerous obstacles and legendary creatures. This roster features the enchantress Circe, known for turning humans into pigs, as well as the treacherous Sirens. Regardless of these ordeals, Odysseus vows to do whatever it takes to reunite with Penelope and Telemachus on his home island.
The adaptation's cast is remarkably star-studded. Joining Damon, Holland, and Hathaway is Charlize Theron as the cunning Circe, alongside Zendaya, Lupita Nyong'o, Robert Pattinson, Elliot Page, and Jon Bernthal.
A Story Repeatedly Told
Homer's epic has seen numerous adaptations over the years. Examples include contemporary versions to a 1999 ballet. There has even been adapted into a musical called Epic: The Musical, presented as a multi-part album series.
The official trailer has been highly anticipated following the project's reveal and a brief teaser that previously played exclusively in theaters. That teaser subsequently found its way online soon after.
To see a clearer version, the trailer posted on the movie's verified account may provide a better, clearer look.
The Odyssey is scheduled for release on global IMAX screens next summer.
