Christopher Nolan's adaptation of Homer's epic poem The Odyssey arrives in cinemas on July 17, 2026, boasting an ensemble cast of Hollywood A-listers and acclaimed British talent. The film has already drawn praise from critics, with The Times calling it a "masterpiece in every way" and The Guardian describing it as a "breathtaking epic."
Plot and Premise
Based on Homer's ancient Greek poem, the story follows Odysseus, the legendary king of Ithaca, as he struggles to return home to his wife Penelope and son Telemachus after the Trojan War. His journey is fraught with mythical obstacles, including the Cyclops Polyphemus and the witch Circe. Nolan reportedly studied multiple translations of The Odyssey to craft his blockbuster.
Lead Roles
Matt Damon stars as Odysseus, reuniting with Nolan after Oppenheimer and Interstellar. Tom Holland plays Telemachus, Odysseus's son, known for his roles in Spider-Man and The Impossible. Anne Hathaway portrays Penelope, the faithful queen of Ithaca, previously seen in The Devil Wears Prada and The Dark Knight Rises.
Key Supporting Cast
Robert Pattinson (Twilight, The Batman) takes on the role of Antinous, a sleazy suitor vying for Penelope's hand. Lupita Nyong'o (12 Years a Slave, Black Panther) plays a dual role as Helen of Troy and her sister Clytemnestra. Samantha Morton, the acclaimed British star, appears as Circe, the enchantress who desires Odysseus as her eternal husband. Zendaya (Euphoria, Spider-Man) portrays the goddess Athena, protector of Odysseus. Charlize Theron (Mad Max: Fury Road) plays the nymph Calypso. Benny Safdie (Oppenheimer) is Agamemnon, king of Mycenae, and Jon Bernthal (The Punisher) plays Menelaus, king of Sparta.
Notable British and International Talent
Himesh Patel, former EastEnders actor turned Hollywood star, plays Eurylochus, Odysseus's second-in-command and brother-in-law. Patel is known for Yesterday, Tenet, and Station Eleven. John Leguizamo (Romeo + Juliet) portrays Eumaeus, and Bill Irwin (Interstellar) plays the Cyclops Polyphemus. Mia Goth (Pearl) is Melantho, a disloyal maidservant. Elliot Page (The Umbrella Academy) appears as Sinon, a Greek soldier and cousin of Odysseus.
Additional Cast Members
The ensemble also includes Corey Hawkins as Polybus, Will Yun Lee as a shipmate, rapper Travis Scott as a bard, Logan Marshall-Green as Melanthius, Jimmy Gonzales as Cepheus, Andrew Howard as Polites, James Remar as Tiresias, and Elyes Gabel as Elatus. Further casting includes Jesse Garcia, Rafi Gavron, Shiloh Fernandez, Nick E. Tarabay, Maurice Compte, Michael Vlamis, Iddo Goldberg, Josh Stewart, Ryan Hurst, Anthony Molinari, Jovan Adepo, Sean Avery, and Ian Casselberry.
The Odyssey is released in UK cinemas on July 17, 2026.
