Watch Christopher Nolan's This Epic Preview the Way It Wasn't Meant to Be Seen.
The acclaimed filmmaker's legendary action saga, The Odyssey, stands as a movie audiences have been anticipating since its announcement. It easily ranks among the most hotly anticipated films of 2026. In a festive surprise, a preview has now been released, though it's hampered by YouTube's poor compression—maybe illustrating the director's choice to restrict the preview exclusive to cinemas.
A First Glimpse of the Stellar Ensemble
This first look reveals Matt Damon in the role of Odysseus. We also see Tom Holland playing the son and Anne Hathaway depicting the loyal wife. In a poignant moment, the character pleads with her husband to vow he will return, only for him to look up and question what occurs should he fail. Furthermore, the preview provides a quick, obscured look of the mythical one-eyed giant, from whom sheep are are taken by the hero and his men on their treacherous voyage.
Adapted from a foundational pillar of Western literature, The Odyssey chronicles the lengthy quest of the legendary King of Ithaca. After his triumph at Troy, as told within the companion epic, Odysseus endures a long and perilous return to his homeland.
Mythical Encounters and a Star-Studded Lineup
Along his path, the hero encounters numerous obstacles and legendary creatures. This roster features the witch-goddess Circe, who transforms men into swine, as well as the treacherous Sirens. Despite these trials, Odysseus vows to do whatever it takes to reunite with Penelope and Telemachus in Ithaca.
This film's ensemble boasts an impressive lineup. Alongside the leading trio is Charlize Theron as the cunning Circe, together with Zendaya, Lupita Nyong'o, Robert Pattinson, Elliot Page, and Jon Bernthal.
A Story Repeatedly Told
The classic poem has seen many reinterpretations over the years. Examples include modern retellings to a 1999 ballet. There has even been adapted into a musical titled Epic: The Musical, presented as a multi-part album series.
A full-length preview has been highly anticipated following the project's reveal and a short teaser clip which was initially shown exclusively in theaters. That teaser subsequently found its way onto the internet shortly thereafter.
To see a clearer version, the trailer posted on the film's official social channel may provide a better, clearer look.
The Odyssey will debut on global IMAX screens on July 17, 2026.
