🔗 Share this article Watch the Director's The Odyssey Preview the Way It Was Never Intended for Viewing. Christopher Nolan's legendary action saga, The Odyssey, is a film we've been eagerly awaiting ever since it was revealed. It firmly sits among the most hotly anticipated films of 2026. As a pre-Christmas treat, a preview has now been released, even if it's compromised by YouTube's poor compression—maybe illustrating why Nolan initially kept the trailer solely for theatrical audiences. A First Glimpse of the Stellar Ensemble The debut footage showcases Matt Damon in the role of Odysseus. We also see Tom Holland playing the son alongside Anne Hathaway depicting the loyal wife. In a poignant moment, Penelope asks her husband to vow his safe homecoming, only for him to respond by asking what happens if he cannot. The trailer also offers a quick, obscured look of the mythical one-eyed giant, whose flock are taken by the hero and his men during their arduous journey. Based upon a cornerstone of Western literature, The Odyssey chronicles the epic journey undertaken by the famed ruler. Following his victory at Troy, which is depicted within the companion epic, Odysseus endures an extended and hazardous return to his homeland. Legendary Obstacles with an All-Star Cast Along his path, Odysseus confronts numerous obstacles and mythical beings. This roster features the witch-goddess Circe, known for turning humans into pigs, and the deceptive Sirens. Despite these trials, his sworn oath is to do whatever it takes to get back to Penelope and Telemachus in Ithaca. The adaptation's cast boasts an impressive lineup. Joining Damon, Holland, and Hathaway are Charlize Theron portraying the shrewd goddess, alongside Zendaya, Lupita Nyong'o, Robert Pattinson, Elliot Page, and Jon Bernthal. A Tale of Many Adaptations The classic poem has inspired many reinterpretations throughout history. Examples include modern retellings and a late-90s dance production. There has even been a stage musical adaptation called Epic: The Musical, released in the form of a multi-part album series. A full-length preview has been highly anticipated since the film's announcement and a brief teaser that previously played exclusively in theaters. That teaser later made its way onto the internet shortly thereafter. To see a clearer version, the trailer posted on the movie's verified account may provide enhanced visual quality. The Odyssey is scheduled for release in IMAX theaters worldwide on July 17, 2026.