🔗 Share this article Watch Christopher Nolan's This Epic Preview the Way It Wasn't Meant for Viewing. Christopher Nolan's mythic action epic, The Odyssey, is a film audiences have been anticipating since its announcement. It firmly sits among the most hotly anticipated motion pictures coming next year. As a pre-Christmas treat, a preview has now been released, though it's hampered by YouTube's poor compression—perhaps explaining the director's choice to restrict the trailer solely for theatrical audiences. A First Glimpse of the Stellar Ensemble The debut footage showcases Matt Damon portraying the king of Ithaca. Audiences are introduced to Tom Holland as Telemachus alongside Anne Hathaway depicting the loyal wife. In a poignant moment, Penelope asks Odysseus to promise he will return, to which he respond by asking what happens if he cannot. The trailer also offers a quick, obscured look of the mythical one-eyed giant, whose flock Odysseus and his crew steal on their treacherous voyage. Adapted from a cornerstone of Western literature, The Odyssey chronicles the epic journey of the legendary King of Ithaca. After his triumph in the Trojan War, which is depicted in Homer's Iliad, the king faces an extended and hazardous road home. Legendary Obstacles and a Star-Studded Lineup On his travels, the hero encounters countless challenges and mythical beings. This roster features the witch-goddess Circe, who transforms men into swine, as well as the treacherous Sirens. Despite these trials, Odysseus vows to overcome anything to reunite with his wife and son in Ithaca. The adaptation's cast is remarkably star-studded. Alongside the leading trio is Charlize Theron portraying the shrewd goddess, alongside Zendaya, Lupita Nyong'o, Robert Pattinson, Elliot Page, and Jon Bernthal. A Tale of Many Adaptations The classic poem has inspired many reinterpretations throughout history. Examples include contemporary versions and a late-90s dance production. There has even been a stage musical adaptation titled Epic: The Musical, released in the form of a multi-part album series. The official trailer was long awaited since the film's announcement and a brief teaser that previously played exclusively in theaters. That teaser later made its way online soon after. To see a clearer version, the trailer posted on the movie's verified account might deliver a better, clearer look. The Odyssey is scheduled for release on global IMAX screens on July 17, 2026.