Christopher Nolan’s Next Epic ‘The Odyssey’ Set for 2026 Release

Christopher Nolan’s next venture has been announced, and it’s a colossal one: the celebrated director is tackling Homer’s The Odyssey. Universal Pictures confirmed Monday that the film, described as a “mythic action epic,” will hit theatres worldwide on July 17, 2026. Shot across the globe using cutting-edge IMAX technology, the adaptation promises to reimagine the ancient Greek tale for modern audiences.

The all-star cast includes Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong’o, Anne Hathaway, and Charlize Theron. The story follows Odysseus on his perilous journey home after the Trojan War, navigating encounters with gods, monsters, and temptations that test his resolve.

Fans have already begun drawing thematic parallels between The Odyssey and Nolan’s recent work, particularly Oppenheimer (2023), which explored the personal toll of pursuing greatness.

While Nolan has tackled period dramas before, The Odyssey brings a new challenge for the filmmaker. Known for grounding fantastical concepts like shared dreams in Inception (2010) and interstellar travel in Interstellar (2014), Nolan is set to bring his signature realism to a story about gods, goddesses, and mythical creatures.

This is the first time Homer’s eighth-century BC epic will been adapted for IMAX, a medium Nolan has long championed. Previous adaptations include Ulysses (1954), O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000), and Troy (2004).

This announcement caps off a landmark year for Nolan. After winning his first Oscars for Oppenheimer, including Best Picture and Best Director, he was knighted by King Charles earlier this month.