'The Odyssey': Matt Damon transforms into Greek hero for Nolan
What's the story
We finally got the first glimpse of Matt Damon as Odysseus in Christopher Nolan's next The Odyssey.
The first look shows Damon from the back, wearing a warrior's robe, suggesting he has just returned from the Trojan War.
Produced by Universal Pictures, the film is described as a "mythic action epic" and will utilize new IMAX film technology.
The highly anticipated movie is set to hit theaters on July 17, 2026.
Past roles and reactions
Damon's previous collaborations with Nolan and fan reactions
Damon has previously collaborated with Nolan on two other films: Oppenheimer (2023) where he portrayed US Army General Leslie Groves, and Interstellar (2014) where he had a brief appearance as NASA astronaut Dr. Mann.
The first look at Damon in The Odyssey has triggered hilarious reactions from fans on social media, with one user even proposing an alternative title for the film: "Good Home Hunting."
Production details
'The Odyssey' to commence filming with record budget
Another X user commented on the post, "'Fantastic, get ready for a three-hour movie of him wandering around, bumping into gods, and trying to find his way home while Nolan bends time and reality just to make sure he stays lost."
The principal photography for The Odyssey will commence later this month in the UK, Morocco, and Sicily.
The film has been given a budget of $250 million, which makes it the most expensive project of Nolan's career so far.
Twitter Post
Have you checked out Damon's look yet?
Matt
— odysseymovie (@odysseymovie) February 17, 2025Damon is Odysseus. A film by Christopher Nolan, #TheOdysseyMovie is in theaters July 17, 2026. pic.twitter.com/7a5YbfqVfG
Casting speculation
'The Odyssey' cast rumors and diversity concerns
Oscar-winner Anne Hathaway is rumored to be playing Odysseus's wife, Queen Penelope of Ithaca.
Other speculated cast members include Tom Holland as Odysseus's son Telemachus, Charlize Theron as the witch goddess Circe, and Mia Goth in an undisclosed role.
However, the film has faced criticism for its lack of Greek actors in a story deeply rooted in Greek mythology.
One user expressed their disappointment saying: "A movie about Greek mythology, with no Greek or Greek-American actors... It's a travesty."
About the movie
Here's more about the movie
The Odyssey follows the Greek hero Odysseus as he embarks on a perilous journey home after the Trojan War. The tale, originally written by the ancient Greek poet Homer over 2,000 years ago, remains one of the oldest and most beloved stories in literature.
Nolan wrote the script, directs, and produces the film.
The star-studded cast also includes Zendaya, Lupita Nyong'o, Robert Pattinson, Benny Safdie, Jon Bernthal, and John Leguizamo.