Christopher Nolan’s the odyssey promises epic scale and Matt Damon as Odysseus

Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey stars Matt Damon, shot over 2 million feet of film in a massive cinematic feat

Christopher Nolan is set to bring Homer’s classic epic, The Odyssey, to life on the big screen, starring Matt Damon as Odysseus.

The film, scheduled for UK release on 17 July 2026, marks Nolan’s 13th feature and follows the decade-long journey of Odysseus returning home after the Trojan War.

According to Nolan, the production involved extensive practical filmmaking, including a 91-day shoot capturing real ocean conditions. “We shot over two million feet of film,” he said, describing the vast and unpredictable seas that the cast navigated to authentically depict the trials of Odysseus and his crew. Nolan emphasized the physicality of filming in real locations as essential to storytelling, stating it provided a primal and immersive experience.

Produced by Emma Thomas, Nolan’s longtime collaborator and wife, the film aims to combine large-scale spectacle with historical and mythological accuracy. Nolan, who was once hired to direct Troy, revealed that he has envisioned a cinematic adaptation of Homer’s work for decades. He cited inspiration from classic mythological films and emphasized his goal to bring credibility and scale to the genre with a major Hollywood and IMAX production.

Matt Damon described the role as a challenging but rewarding opportunity, highlighting the emotional and physical demands of portraying Odysseus on his perilous journey. Empire magazine features a world-exclusive interview with Nolan and Damon, offering insight into the ambitious production and behind-the-scenes details.

The Odyssey is positioned to be one of the most anticipated films of 2026, promising a blend of epic storytelling, practical effects, and cinematic innovation consistent with Nolan’s reputation for ambitious filmmaking.