Christopher Nolan is officially stepping into myth and legend with The Odyssey, his next major theatrical release, set to arrive in cinemas worldwide on July 17, 2026. Backed by Universal Pictures, the film marks Nolan’s most ambitious historical and mythological undertaking yet, adapting Homer’s foundational epic for the modern big screen using brand new IMAX film technology.
This will be the first time The Odyssey has been brought to IMAX film screens at this scale, and Nolan is reportedly shooting across multiple global locations to capture the vastness and danger of Odysseus’ journey. Known for his commitment to practical filmmaking and immersive visuals, Nolan’s approach suggests a grounded, visceral take on mythology rather than a fantasy heavy reimagining.
The cast alone signals the scale of the project. Matt Damon leads the ensemble, joined by Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Robert Pattinson, and Lupita Nyong’o, with Zendaya and Charlize Theron also starring. The lineup blends Nolan regulars with new collaborators, creating high expectations for both performance and character driven storytelling. While specific roles have not been officially detailed, the casting hints at a layered interpretation of Homer’s world, balancing heroism, temptation, power, and survival.
Described as a mythic action epic, The Odyssey is expected to combine large scale spectacle with the emotional intensity Nolan is known for. Themes of endurance, identity, fate, and the cost of ambition feel naturally aligned with his filmmaking style. Rather than treating the story as a distant legend, Nolan appears set to frame it as a deeply human journey, one shaped by loss, resilience, and the pull of home.
With Emma Thomas and Christopher Nolan producing, the film continues the duo’s long running creative partnership that has delivered some of the most influential cinema of the last two decades. Universal’s backing and a prime summer release date further underline the studio’s confidence in the project as a global theatrical event.
The Odyssey is scheduled to remain in theaters until January 18, 2027, positioning it as a long running epic experience rather than a short window release. As anticipation builds, the film is already being viewed as one of the most significant cinematic releases of the decade, merging ancient storytelling with cutting edge filmmaking.
If Nolan succeeds in translating Homer’s epic for modern audiences without losing its emotional and philosophical weight, The Odyssey could redefine how mythological stories are told on screen. July 2026 cannot come soon enough.