The title and concept behind Christopher Nolan’s next cinematic venture have been unveiled, and it’s unlike anything he’s tackled before. Universal Pictures announced on Monday that the acclaimed director will helm a film adaptation of Homer’s legendary epic poem, The Odyssey, which chronicles the perilous journey of Odysseus returning home after the Trojan War.
Homer’s ancient Greek epic recounts the adventures of Odysseus, the King of Ithaca, as he faces numerous dangers on his long voyage home following the Trojan War. The story delves into themes of bravery, devotion, cleverness, and defiance of the gods. Memorable moments include his clashes with the Cyclops Polyphemus, the enchanting Sirens, and the sorceress Circe, ultimately leading to his long-awaited return to his wife, Penelope.
“Christopher Nolan’s next film, The Odyssey, is a mythic action epic shot across the world using brand new IMAX film technology,” Universal revealed in a statement. “The film brings Homer’s foundational saga to IMAX film screens for the first time and opens in theatres everywhere on July 17, 2026.”
A star-studded ensemble will bring the ancient tale to life, with Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong’o, Anne Hathaway, and Charlize Theron set to appear.
The Odyssey is reportedly scheduled to go on floors in early 2025. Nolan will direct and write the screenplay, with his wife, Emma Thomas, producing under their Syncopy banner.
The film comes from Universal Studios, which also backed Nolan's Oppenheimer. The director's partnership with the production house began following his highly publicised departure from Warner Bros. in 2020. Unlike Oppenheimer, which Universal acquired through an open auction, Nolan's upcoming project has been secured directly by the studio, according to reports.
Nolan is no stranger to historical narratives, having recently won Best Picture and Best Director for Oppenheimer, his riveting account of J Robert Oppenheimer and the birth of the atomic bomb. He also explored period storytelling with The Prestige, which chronicled the rivalry between magicians in Victorian London.
However, The Odyssey marks new territory for Nolan, plunging him into a realm of myth, gods, and fantastical creatures. While ancient epics have yet to feature in his filmography, Nolan has consistently infused his work with imaginative elements—grounding superheroes in realism with The Dark Knight trilogy, exploring dreamscapes in Inception, and venturing into space with Interstellar.
Homer’s epic has inspired several adaptations over the years, from the 1954 classic Ulysses starring Kirk Douglas to the Coen brothers’ 2000 film O Brother, Where Art Thou?. Odysseus’ story was also brought to life in Troy (2004), with Sean Bean portraying the cunning Greek hero. Interestingly, Wolfgang Petersen, director of Troy, once considered Nolan for that project—before Nolan’s career-defining work on Batman Begins.