Christopher Nolan is back behind the lens — and this time, he’s taking on mythology with his trademark scope and gravitas.
Universal Pictures has released the official poster for The Odyssey,Nolan’s upcoming epic, slated for release on July 17, 2026. Shot entirely with IMAX film cameras, the visual teases a sculpture consumed by embers beneath the stark tagline: “Defy the Gods.” It’s cinematic minimalism — and ambition — in one haunting frame.
Inspired by Homer’s classic poem, The Odyssey chronicles the long journey home of Odysseus, King of Ithaca, following the Trojan War. His return is anything but straightforward — as the story leads him through encounters with legendary threats like the Cyclops Polyphemus, the deadly Sirens, and the witch-goddess Circe. But at its heart, it’s a story of resilience and longing — with Odysseus fighting for the chance to reunite with his wife, Penelope.
The cast is nothing short of mythic. Matt Damon leads as Odysseus, with Tom Holland as Telemachus, his son. Charlize Theron takes on Circe, one of Greek mythology’s most enigmatic figures. Also joining the ensemble: Anne Hathaway, Zendaya, Lupita Nyong’o, and Robert Pattinson — a generational lineup that adds emotional weight to the film’s sprawling visual scale.
With a reported budget near $250 million, production spans locations in Greece, Italy, Morocco, Iceland, and the UK. Nolan is said to be leaning into themes of identity, fate, and psychological survival — reframing Odysseus not just as a hero, but as a man haunted by the weight of war and the toll of time.
