After months of speculation about Christopher Nolan’s follow-up to his critical and box office hit “Oppenheimer,” which won him the Academy Award for best director, Universal Pictures unveiled before the holidays on X that he will be bringing Homer’s “The Odyssey” to the big screen.
“The Odyssey” is a classic piece of literature by Homer that is divided between 24 different books, preceded by “The Iliad.” It tells the 10-year journey story of Odysseus, king of Ithaca, as he travels home after the Trojan War. Along the way, he encounters multiple perils and discovers the death of his crewmates. Telemachus (Odysseus’ son), Penelope (Odysseus’ wife), Athena, Circe, Poseidon and Zeus are all major characters.
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Historians and scholars date “The Odyssey” to sometime between 750-650 BC. The first printed Greek version became available in 1488. In the centuries since, it has remained one of the most studied, adapted and parodied stories ever with adaptations including the 1911 silent film by Giuseppe de Liguoro, 1954’s “Ulysses” with Kirk Douglas and the 2000 Coen brothers comedy “O Brother, Where Art Thou?”
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With a new adaptation on the horizon, here is everything we know so far about Nolan’s take on “The Odyssey.”
Who are the latest additions to the cast?
Actor and director Benny Safdie is confirmed to reunite with Nolan on the film. He previously appeared as physicist Edward Teller in “Oppenheimer,” so “The Odyssey” marks his latest turn alongside Matt Damon for a Nolan picture.
After Benny Safdie built his name as a director working alongside his brother, Josh Safdie, he has continued to build his resume as an actor with roles in Lionsgate’s “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret,” Claire Denis’ film “The Stars at Noon” and Paul Thomas Anderson’s Oscar-nominated film “Licorice Pizza.” “The Odyssey” also marks a reunion between Benny Safdie and Robert Pattinson after starring on-screen together in the A24 film “Good Time” back in 2017.
In addition to Benny Safdie coming on board, Jon Bernthal is confirmed to appear in “The Odyssey,” marking his first time working with Nolan. Bernthal previously appeared in “The Accountant,” “Fury,” “The Punisher” and “Daredevil.”
Who else is cast in the film and have they worked with Nolan before?
Like the all-star cast that was assembled for “Oppenheimer” (and resulted in a best ensemble win at the Screen Actors Guild awards), “The Odyssey” is already filled with major talent in Hollywood. In addition to Benny Safdie and Bernthal, confirmed names include Pattinson, Damon, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Zendaya, Lupita Nyong’o and Charlize Theron. However, it remains unclear who will play which role, leaving it up to fans to speculate at the moment.
Damon most recently appeared in “Oppenheimer” as Lt. General Leslie Groves after his under-the-radar appearance in “Interstellar.” Pattinson appeared in “Tenet” as Neil, alongside John David Washington and Elizabeth Debicki. Going back a little farther, Hathaway had a supporting role as an astronaut in “Interstellar” and Catwoman in “The Dark Knight Rises,” marking just over 10 years since her last time working with Nolan.
For Holland, Zendaya, Nyong’o and Theron, “The Odyssey” marks their first time collaborating with Nolan. Holland and Zendaya, who are a real-life couple, will reunite on screen after the Marvel “Spider-Man” films.
How will the film be shot?
According to the social media post from Universal Pictures, “The Odyssey” will be “shot across the world using brand new IMAX film technology.” Nolan’s craft has become synonymous with IMAX as “Oppenheimer,” “Dunkirk,” “Tenet” and “Interstellar,” which was recently re-released to much success in theaters for its 10th anniversary, were all shot with IMAX cameras.
Where will be the film be shot?
As Variety exclusively reported this week, the film will be partly filmed in Sicily, which is notable for being a location for Odysseus’ wanderings in the epic. Shooting there is expected to begin in spring 2025 on the island of Favignana, considered the “goat island,” which many believe to be the place where Homer visualized Odysseus landing with his crew. As Nolan has built a fanbase with his care for practical effects and sets, it’s no surprise that sources have confirmed that the film is likely using some of its budget for shooting on the Sicily islands. Other announced locations for the film include the U.K. and Morocco.
Who else is creatively involved?
Nolan is also writing and producing the film, reuniting with his longtime producing and life partner Emma Thomas, who won the Best Picture Oscar for “Oppenheimer” alongside Nolan. Italy’s Wildside, a Fremantle company, is servicing the Sicily portion of the filming.
How faithful will this adaptation be to ‘The Odyssey’?
It remains unclear how closely Nolan intends to follow Homer’s famous story, although the social media post from Universal Pictures teases “a mythic action epic shot across the world.”
When is the film set to release?
The film is set to release worldwide on July 17, 2026 in theaters after a 2025 production start date. Nolan previously released “Oppenheimer,” “Dunkirk,” “Inception” and “The Dark Knight” in the same month.
