Brad Pitt's epic 2004 film Troy, which serves as a prequel to Sir Christopher Nolan's upcoming adaptation of The Odyssey, is now available for streaming on NOW and HBO Max. The news comes just ahead of the release of Nolan's The Odyssey, starring Matt Damon, which is set to hit cinemas next week.
Background on the Films
Nolan's The Odyssey is based on Homer's 2,800-year-old epic poem, which chronicles the 10-year journey of Odysseus, King of Ithaca, as he returns home after serving in the Trojan War. Troy, on the other hand, adapts the first half of Homer's story from the Iliad, focusing on the Trojan War itself. The film condenses the decade-long conflict into a few weeks and features an all-star cast including Brad Pitt as Achilles, Eric Bana, Peter O'Toole, Sean Bean, Brian Cox, Orlando Bloom, and Brendan Gleeson.
Key Cast and Production Details
Notably, Sean Bean plays Odysseus in Troy, a role that connects directly to Nolan's upcoming film. Interestingly, Nolan was initially considered to direct Troy before being assigned to direct Batman Begins. Aspects of the Iliad are referenced in The Odyssey via flashbacks, making Troy a valuable prequel for viewers seeking full context.
According to George Simpson, Film & Music Editor, catching Troy will help fill in the gaps for audiences anticipating Nolan's adaptation. The film is currently streaming on NOW and HBO Max.
