Christopher Nolan’s fantasy epic The Odyssey had its world premiere at London’s Leicester Square, with the director joined by an A-list cast including Zendaya, Tom Holland, Matt Damon, Robert Pattinson and Anne Hathaway. Shot on 70mm and praised for its scale and performances, the Homer adaptation marks Nolan’s return after Oppenheimer and opens in theatres on July 17.
Waiting for a Christopher Nolan movie to come to screens is a test of patience in itself, especially when it's featuring what might be the most-awaited ensemble of the year. Now, the wait is finally over.
Yesterday evening, London's beloved Leicester Square was graced by the director himself, alongside the film's star-studded ensemble, for the premiere of his highly anticipated fantasy epic, The Odyssey.
The cast members present there included Zendaya, Tom Holland, Matt Damon, Robert Pattinson, Mia Goth, Lupita Nyong’o, Anne Hathaway, Charlize Theron, Benny Safdie, Elliot Page, and Travis Scott. For Holland, Pattinson and Goth, the event was on their home ground.
Nolan was also accompanied by the film's producer Emma Thomas and NBCUniversal Entertainment Chair, Donna Langley.
Ahead of the IMAX screening, Nolan took the stage, saying "There’s nothing quite like a London premiere."
“I just want to take an opportunity to say thank you to all you guys for the incredible work that this audience is about to see,” he told the cast, and then went on the address the fans. “You’re the first audience in the world to see this film. This is the world premiere — on the beautiful 70mm film — so be kind."
Reminiscing his humble beginnings as a filmmaker, Nolan said "I grew up watching movies here, coming to Leicester Square, watching films, not from the balcony of the posh people, but from the stalls,” and that he dreamed of creating a film that would fill the same screens.
"So to be here in such glamorous circumstances with all of you to celebrate the work of so many people who came together to make The Odyssey is truly incredible."
The film has already drawn praise from critics and the press alike for its scale, powerful performances and Nolan's inventive handling of the supernatural elements drawn from Homer’s original material.
The Odyssey marks Nolan's return after his 2023 blockbuster and biographical thriller Oppenheimer. The film is a screen adaptation of Homer's epic poem, chronicling Odysseus's ten-year journey home from the Trojan War. It follows Odysseus's tumultuous journey back to Ithaca, encountering creatures like Sirens, the Cyclops Polyphemus, and Calypso.
While the filmmaker has previously collaborated with some members of the cast, including Hathaway, Pattinson and Damon, The Odyssey will be his first venture with Holland, Zendaya and Theron.
The film is slated for a theatrical release on July 17.