Matt Damon Is Officially Odysseus in Christopher Nolan’s Upcoming Epic Fantasy Film “The Odyssey”

Christopher Nolan has become one of those filmmakers that just like a Denis Villenueve or a Spielberg -some will say even more- easily draw audiences to the megaplex. In his case, the British filmmaker always finds the way to bring something fresh even to already established and trite genres such as the comic book movies, sci-fi, war movies and so forth. He just brings a unique twist and also as a man who loves going practical. My man got a plane just to strike it against a warehouse and (kinda) recreated an atomic explosion, so sky (and I guess laws?) are the limits. Rumor has it, he will be building a 6×6 Cyclop.

Now, one thing is no rumor and we know officially now is Matt Damon’s role in the star-studded cast, and to the surprise of many, he’s actually, according to many of the traits and the first look image below, starring as Odysseus.

Spotting an unusual long beard and looking pretty badass, Matt Damon will lead the aforementioned star-studded cast made up of some old and fresh faces in Nolan’s catalogue such as Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong’o, Benny Safdie and Charlize Theron. The ensemble also includes Himesh Patel, Elliot Page, Bill Irwin, Samantha Morton, Jesse Garcia and Will Yun Lee and it will be based on Homer’s epic poem composed around the 8^th century BCE. The story follows Odysseus, King of Ithaca on his dangerous journey home after the Trojan war. The ancient Greek epic illustrates a true hero’s journey as the titular figure faces Polyphemus the Cyclops, Sirens, the nymph Calypso and the witch goddess Circe in the treacherous oceans that separate him from his island home and wife Penelope.

Many like myself thought this would have been maybe a modern adaptation, but at least there’s time travel involved (which knowing Nolan wouldn’t be that far-fetched), it all appears Nolan will go full fantasy and I’m all for it! How about you guys?

The Universal film is set for a July 17, 2026 release date.