See Christopher Nolan's This Epic Preview in a Manner It Wasn't Meant to Be Seen.
The acclaimed filmmaker's legendary action saga, The Odyssey, is a film we've been eagerly awaiting ever since it was revealed. It firmly sits among the most hotly anticipated films of 2026. In a festive surprise, a trailer has finally arrived, though it's hampered by YouTube's poor compression—maybe illustrating the director's choice to restrict the preview exclusive to cinemas.
A First Glimpse of the Stellar Ensemble
This first look reveals Matt Damon in the role of Odysseus. Audiences are introduced to Tom Holland as Telemachus alongside Anne Hathaway depicting the loyal wife. In a poignant moment, Penelope asks her husband to vow his safe homecoming, to which he look up and question what happens if he cannot. The trailer also offers a brief, shadowy glimpse of the mythical one-eyed giant, from whom sheep are Odysseus and his crew steal on their treacherous voyage.
Based upon a cornerstone in classic storytelling, The Odyssey follows the lengthy quest undertaken by the famed ruler. After his triumph at Troy, as told in Homer's Iliad, the king faces a long and perilous return to his homeland.
Mythical Encounters and a Star-Studded Lineup
Along his path, the hero encounters numerous obstacles and mythical beings. These include the enchantress 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 his wife and son in Ithaca.
This film's ensemble is remarkably star-studded. Joining Damon, Holland, and Hathaway are Charlize Theron as the cunning Circe, together with Zendaya, Lupita Nyong'o, Robert Pattinson, Elliot Page, and Jon Bernthal.
A Story Repeatedly Told
The classic poem has seen many reinterpretations over the years. Examples include modern retellings to a 1999 ballet. It has even been a stage musical adaptation titled Epic: The Musical, presented as a nine-album collection.
A full-length preview has been highly anticipated following the project's reveal and a short teaser clip which was initially shown exclusively in theaters. That footage subsequently found its way online shortly thereafter.
To see a clearer version, the preview available via the film's official social channel might deliver a better, clearer look.
The Odyssey will debut in IMAX theaters worldwide on July 17, 2026.