Universal Pictures has unveiled the first official photos from Christopher Nolan’s highly anticipated epic, The Odyssey, offering fans a glimpse into the director’s ambitious retelling of Homer’s ancient Greek epic. The film, slated for release on July 17, 2026, stars Anne Hathaway, Mia Goth, and Tom Holland, and promises to be a visually stunning journey through one of the most famous stories of all time.
The release of these photos has generated a lot of buzz, giving audiences their first look at Hathaway as Penelope, the queen of Ithaca, and Goth as Melantho, one of Penelope’s maids. Fans are also treated to an early image of Tom Holland as Telemachus, the son of Odysseus and Penelope. These stills not only showcase the stellar ensemble cast but also give us a taste of the breathtaking visuals Nolan is known for.
With The Odyssey marking Nolan’s latest collaboration with Universal Pictures after the success of Oppenheimer (2023), expectations are high. Here’s a breakdown of what we know so far about the film, its characters, and the impact this project is set to make in 2026.
Key Cast and Characters in The Odyssey
| Actor | Character | Role Description |
|---|---|---|
| Matt Damon | Odysseus | The legendary Greek hero, struggling to return home after the Trojan War. |
| Anne Hathaway | Penelope | Queen of Ithaca, waiting for Odysseus’ return while fending off suitors. |
| Mia Goth | Melantho | Penelope’s maid, caught in the political turmoil of Ithaca. |
| Tom Holland | Telemachus | Odysseus and Penelope’s son, forced to mature and protect his family. |
| Robert Pattinson | Unknown | Cast in a yet-to-be-revealed role, likely a significant figure in Odysseus’ journey. |
| Zendaya | Unknown | Another key character, adding intrigue to the ensemble. |
The Odyssey: A Mythic Action Epic
Christopher Nolan is no stranger to epic storytelling. From Inception (2010) to Dunkirk (2017), he has crafted visually stunning narratives that combine complex storytelling with action-packed spectacle. Now, with The Odyssey, he turns his attention to one of the oldest and most celebrated stories in Western literature: Homer’s Odyssey.
The film will follow Odysseus, the King of Ithaca, as he struggles to return home after the Trojan War. Presumed dead, Odysseus’ wife Penelope and son Telemachus are left behind, contending with suitors who vie for Penelope’s hand during his absence. The story is rich with themes of loyalty, perseverance, and the journey of self-discovery, making it the perfect canvas for Nolan’s unique filmmaking style.
Nolan’s adaptation promises to bring a new perspective to the ancient story, blending mythological grandeur with a modern cinematic flair. The film is described as a “mythic action epic,” suggesting that audiences will experience both breathtaking action sequences and deep emotional resonance.
First Look: Anne Hathaway as Penelope
In the first official photo from The Odyssey, we see Anne Hathaway in the role of Penelope, the intelligent and patient wife of Odysseus. Penelope is a pivotal character in Homer’s original poem, and Hathaway’s portrayal is set to bring both grace and complexity to the role. As the queen of Ithaca, she holds the fort while fending off a group of suitors who believe Odysseus is dead.
In the image, Hathaway’s Penelope stands strong yet serene, her eyes conveying both the inner turmoil of her long wait for her husband’s return and her resilience in the face of mounting pressure. Behind her, Mia Goth portrays Melantho, one of Penelope’s maids. Melantho’s role, while secondary, will likely add layers of intrigue, and with Goth’s acting pedigree, this character could take on a more nuanced role than traditionally depicted in previous adaptations.
“Penelope is a character defined by strength, intelligence, and patience,” Hathaway shared in a statement. “She’s faced with unimaginable odds, yet she holds onto hope, refusing to give up on the love of her life. It’s an incredibly powerful role to play, and I’m honored to bring this iconic character to the screen.”
Mia Goth as Melantho: A Mysterious Maid
Mia Goth, known for her compelling performances in films like Pearl (2022) and Frankenstein (upcoming), takes on the role of Melantho, one of Penelope’s maids. While Melantho is often depicted as a minor character in Homer’s work, Goth’s casting suggests that Nolan may give her a more significant role, exploring the complexities of her relationships within the royal household. In the photo, Goth’s portrayal of Melantho offers a glimpse of a character who is caught between loyalty to Penelope and the temptation presented by the suitors.
Goth’s casting adds a level of intrigue to The Odyssey. Known for her intense, often unsettling roles, her portrayal of Melantho may offer a fresh perspective on the character, potentially providing deeper emotional layers or new motivations.
Tom Holland as Telemachus: A Hero in the Making
Another first-look photo features Tom Holland as Telemachus, the young son of Odysseus and Penelope. Holland, who is widely known for his role as Peter Parker/Spider-Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, is stepping into a vastly different role in this film. Telemachus is an important character, forced to mature quickly in his father’s absence, stepping into a leadership role while contending with the suitors vying for his mother’s hand.
Holland’s casting adds another layer of excitement to the film. As Telemachus, he will navigate a journey of self-discovery and growth, facing external pressures from the suitors while also grappling with his own inner conflicts. Holland’s youthful energy and proven acting chops make him an ideal fit for a character undergoing such a transformative journey.
In the photo, Holland’s Telemachus looks both determined and contemplative, hinting at the emotional weight the character will carry in the story.
Star-Studded Ensemble Cast
In addition to Hathaway, Goth, and Holland, The Odyssey features a star-studded cast that will bring a wide array of talent to the screen. Leading the cast is Matt Damon, who will portray Odysseus, the heroic yet flawed king whose long journey home forms the core of the story. Damon’s casting in this iconic role promises a deeply layered performance, capturing both the strength and vulnerability of the legendary hero.
The ensemble cast also includes Robert Pattinson, Zendaya, Charlize Theron, Lupita Nyong’o, Jon Bernthal, Benny Safdie, Elliot Page, Himesh Patel, and Samantha Morton, among others. Each actor brings a unique energy to the film, ensuring a dynamic and emotionally rich adaptation of Homer’s epic.
The Impact of Christopher Nolan’s Adaptation
Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey is set to be a monumental film event, with the director’s reputation for blending thought-provoking themes with visually spectacular sequences. This adaptation promises to be an epic exploration of the human condition, drawing on Homer’s timeless themes of loyalty, love, and perseverance.
Nolan’s previous works, such as Inception (2010) and Interstellar (2014), showcased his ability to tackle complex narratives and bring them to life in new and exciting ways. With The Odyssey, he is stepping into a genre that combines mythology, action, and drama, and it’s expected that his signature style will add layers of depth to the characters and story.
“We’re looking to make The Odyssey a grand cinematic experience that appeals to both lovers of the original epic and new audiences who are just discovering it,” Nolan said in a statement. “The human themes in The Odyssey resonate on a universal level, and I want to bring that to life in a way that feels fresh and relevant for today’s audiences.”
What to Expect from The Odyssey?
With the film still in production, there’s much that remains to be seen, but here are a few expectations fans can have:
- Epic Visuals: As expected from Nolan, The Odyssey will feature grand, sweeping visuals. Expect to see stunning landscapes, intense action sequences, and perhaps even some practical effects that will set the tone for the adventure ahead.
- Character-Driven Storytelling: While the mythology is central to the narrative, the human story is what makes The Odyssey endure. Fans can expect complex character arcs, emotional depth, and a focus on relationships that will resonate across generations.
- Nolan’s Cinematic Magic: Nolan’s penchant for nonlinear storytelling and innovative filmmaking techniques is likely to bring a fresh energy to the Odyssey mythos, ensuring that it feels both timeless and modern.
Conclusion
Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey promises to be a visually and emotionally captivating adaptation of Homer’s ancient epic. With a star-studded cast led by Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway, and Tom Holland, and Nolan at the helm, this film is poised to be one of the most exciting releases of 2026. As more details emerge, anticipation is sure to grow, and The Odyssey will likely become a cornerstone of modern mythological storytelling in cinema.
FAQs
The film is set for release on July 17, 2026.
The Odyssey is directed by Christopher Nolan, known for his work on Inception, Interstellar, and Dunkirk.
Matt Damon stars as Odysseus, the central figure in the epic tale.
The film will follow the journey of Odysseus as he returns home from the Trojan War, facing numerous challenges and battling the passage of time. It will also explore the lives of Penelope and Telemachus in his absence.
While the film will be based on Homer’s Odyssey, expect Nolan’s signature style of storytelling, with modern cinematic techniques and some updates to suit today’s audience.
