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Universal Pictures has released the first look at Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey, which has begun production ahead of its July 2026 release. The studio has confirmed that Matt Damon will be playing the lead role of Odysseus.
In addition to Matt Damon, who has previously worked with Christopher Nolan on his films Oppenheimer and Interstellar, The Odyssey will also star a murder’s row of A-list actors such as Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Zendaya, Lupita Nyong’o, Charlize Theron, Robert Pattinson, Jon Bernthal, Benny Safdie, John Leguizamo, Himesh Patel, Mia Goth, and more.
The Odysessy will be Nolan’s first film since winning Best Director and Best Picture (in addition to a litany of other Academy Awards), for his work on 2023’s Oppenheimer.
Odyssey, written by anicent poet Homer, follows Odysseus, Greek king of Ithaca, on his journey home to reunite with his wife Penelope after the Trojan War. Along the way, Odysseus encounters mythic foes such as the cyclops Polyphemus, the Sirens, and the witch goddess Circe.
It is considered to be one of the most important pieces of literature in human history and, having been composed in either 8th or 7th century BC, one of the oldest works of literature that remains read today.
Damon, 54 years old, most recently had a role in The Instigators alongside casey Affleck, and recently wrapped production on RIP, a Netflix action thriller that he’s co-starring in alongside Ben Affleck.
Damon and Affleck have also been busy working as producers with their production company Artists Equity, which has recently produced Air, Small Things Like These, The Instigators, Unstoppable, Kiss of the Spider Woman, The Accountant 2, RIP, and Animals, which Affleck is directing.