View the Director's This Epic Trailer the Way It Was Never Intended to Be Seen.

The acclaimed filmmaker's mythic action epic, The Odyssey, stands as a movie we've been eagerly awaiting since its announcement. It easily ranks as one of the most awaited 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 why Nolan initially kept the trailer solely for theatrical audiences.

A First Glimpse at the Legendary Cast

The debut footage showcases 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 her husband to vow he will return, to which he respond by asking what occurs should he fail. Furthermore, the preview provides a quick, obscured look of the mythical one-eyed giant, whose flock Odysseus and his crew steal during their arduous journey.

Adapted from a foundational pillar of Western literature, The Odyssey follows the lengthy quest undertaken by the famed ruler. After his triumph in the Trojan War, which is depicted in Homer's Iliad, the king faces a long and perilous return to his homeland.

Mythical Encounters 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. Regardless of these ordeals, his sworn oath is to overcome anything to get back to 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, together with 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. These range from modern retellings and a late-90s dance production. It has even been a stage musical adaptation called Epic: The Musical, released in the form of a multi-part album series.

A full-length preview was long awaited since the film's announcement and a short teaser clip which was initially shown only on the big screen. That footage later made its way online shortly thereafter.

For a superior viewing experience, the preview available via the movie's verified account might deliver a better, clearer look.

The Odyssey is scheduled for release in IMAX theaters worldwide on July 17, 2026.