Watch Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey Trailer in a Manner It Was Never Intended to Be Seen.

Christopher Nolan's mythic action epic, The Odyssey, is a film we've been eagerly awaiting since its announcement. It firmly sits among the most hotly anticipated motion pictures coming next year. As a pre-Christmas treat, a trailer has finally arrived, though it's hampered by YouTube's poor compression—perhaps explaining why Nolan initially kept the preview exclusive to cinemas.

A First Glimpse at the Legendary Cast

The debut footage reveals Matt Damon portraying Odysseus. We also see Tom Holland as Telemachus and Anne Hathaway as Penelope. In a poignant moment, the character pleads with Odysseus to promise he will return, only for him to look up and question what occurs should he fail. The trailer also offers a quick, obscured look of the mythical one-eyed giant, from whom sheep are Odysseus and his crew steal during their arduous journey.

Based upon a foundational pillar of Western literature, The Odyssey follows the epic journey undertaken by the famed ruler. After his triumph in the Trojan War, which is depicted within the companion epic, Odysseus endures an extended and hazardous road home.

Legendary Obstacles with an All-Star Cast

On his travels, Odysseus confronts numerous obstacles and legendary creatures. This roster features the enchantress Circe, who transforms men into swine, as well as the treacherous Sirens. Regardless of these ordeals, Odysseus vows to do whatever it takes to get back to his wife and son on his home island.

The adaptation's cast boasts an impressive lineup. Alongside the leading trio is Charlize Theron as the cunning Circe, together with Zendaya, Lupita Nyong'o, Robert Pattinson, Elliot Page, and Jon Bernthal.

A Tale of Many Adaptations

Homer's epic has seen many reinterpretations over the years. Examples include contemporary versions and a late-90s dance production. It has even been a stage musical adaptation titled Epic: The Musical, presented as a multi-part album series.

The official trailer has been highly anticipated since the film's announcement and a brief teaser which was initially shown exclusively in theaters. That teaser subsequently found its way onto the internet shortly thereafter.

To see a clearer version, the trailer posted on the film's official social channel may provide a better, clearer look.


The Odyssey is scheduled for release on global IMAX screens next summer.

Lisa Bryan
Lisa Bryan

A tech journalist specializing in gaming hardware and software trends, with over a decade of experience covering the UK gaming scene.