Watch the Director's The Odyssey Trailer 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 ever since it was revealed. It firmly sits among the most hotly anticipated motion pictures coming next year. As a pre-Christmas treat, a preview has now been released, though it's hampered due to the platform's low-quality encoding—maybe illustrating the director's choice to restrict the preview exclusive to cinemas.
The Initial Look of the Stellar Ensemble
This first look showcases Matt Damon portraying the king of Ithaca. We also see Tom Holland playing the son alongside Anne Hathaway as Penelope. During an emotional scene, the character pleads with Odysseus to promise his safe homecoming, to which he look up and question what happens if he cannot. Furthermore, the preview provides a brief, shadowy glimpse of the mythical one-eyed giant, from whom sheep are Odysseus and his crew steal on their treacherous voyage.
Adapted from a foundational pillar in classic storytelling, The Odyssey chronicles the lengthy quest of the legendary King of Ithaca. After his triumph in the Trojan War, as told in Homer's Iliad, Odysseus endures an extended and hazardous return to his homeland.
Mythical Encounters with an All-Star Cast
On his travels, the hero encounters numerous obstacles and legendary creatures. These include the witch-goddess Circe, known for turning humans into pigs, and the deceptive Sirens. Regardless of these ordeals, Odysseus vows to do whatever it takes to reunite with Penelope and Telemachus in Ithaca.
The adaptation's cast is remarkably star-studded. Joining Damon, Holland, and Hathaway are Charlize Theron as the cunning Circe, together with Zendaya, Lupita Nyong'o, Robert Pattinson, Elliot Page, and Jon Bernthal.
A Story Repeatedly Told
Homer's epic has inspired many reinterpretations throughout history. These range from contemporary versions and a late-90s dance production. There has even been a stage musical adaptation titled Epic: The Musical, presented as a nine-album collection.
The official trailer has been highly anticipated since the film's announcement and a brief teaser that previously played only on the big screen. That teaser later made its way online shortly thereafter.
To see a clearer version, the trailer posted on the film's official social channel may provide enhanced visual quality.
The Odyssey will debut on global IMAX screens on July 17, 2026.
