The Odyssey: key information and updates

Christopher Nolan, known for his chapter-based approach to cinema, is currently working on his next film, "The Odyssey". This mythological action epic promises to be a new high point in Nolan’s film career. Below is an overview of the most important details and recent developments surrounding the film.

Part of a rich tradition

"The Odyssey" is inspired by Homer’s classic work and follows the story of Odysseus, played by Matt Damon. The film is set to be a visual masterpiece, helped by the use of new Imax film technology. That should ensure the imagery does justice to the scale of the story. Matt Damon’s role as the legendary Greek king of Ithaca will take him across a range of locations as he tries to return home after years of war.

Characters and cast

Alongside Matt Damon, we’ll see Tom Holland as Telemachus, Odysseus’ son, and Anne Hathaway as Penelope, Odysseus’ worried wife. Jon Bernthal plays Menelaus, the Greek king of Sparta and brother of Agamemnon. The film is expected to include iconic scenes such as Odysseus infiltrating the city of Troy using the legendary Trojan Horse, as well as encounters with mythical creatures including the Cyclops.

Runtime and post-production

Unlike Nolan’s recent film, "Oppenheimer", which ran for three hours, "The Odyssey" will be shorter. Producer Emma Thomas confirmed during CinemaCon 2026 that the film will have a maximum runtime of 179 minutes. The exact length is still unknown, as post-production is currently underway. There is speculation that, given the scale of the story, major parts of Homer’s saga may not be included in the film.

Expectations and impact

Nolan’s films are known for their complex storytelling and visual spectacle. "The Odyssey" is expected to be not only a commercial hit, but also an artistic statement, especially given the success of "Oppenheimer", which grossed nearly a billion dollars and won the Oscar for Best Picture. Those high expectations keep the health of the film’s buzz and the scrutiny of Nolan’s critical fanbase in focus.

The challenges for Matt Damon in fitting the role of Odysseus include significant physical changes. He said in interviews that he lost a lot of weight to meet Nolan’s demands and worked hard to maintain his strength during filming, something he says had a profound impact on him.

With such an iconic source of inspiration and a skilled director at the helm, both fans and critics continue to keep their eyes on "The Odyssey". The blend of tradition and modern cinema makes this project uniquely special, and anticipation for its release is growing every day.