Watch the Director's The Odyssey Preview the Way It Wasn't Meant for Viewing.
The acclaimed filmmaker's legendary action saga, The Odyssey, is a film we've been eagerly awaiting since its announcement. It firmly sits among the most hotly anticipated films of 2026. In a festive surprise, 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 trailer solely for theatrical audiences.
The Initial Look of the Stellar Ensemble
The debut footage reveals Matt Damon portraying Odysseus. Audiences are introduced to Tom Holland playing the son and Anne Hathaway as Penelope. During an emotional scene, the character pleads with Odysseus to promise he will return, to which he respond by asking what occurs should he fail. The trailer also offers a quick, obscured look of the mythical one-eyed giant, from whom sheep are Odysseus and his crew steal during their arduous journey.
Based upon a foundational pillar of Western literature, The Odyssey follows the lengthy quest undertaken by the famed ruler. After his triumph in the Trojan War, as told in Homer's Iliad, the king faces an extended and hazardous road home.
Mythical Encounters and a Star-Studded Lineup
On his travels, Odysseus confronts numerous obstacles and mythical beings. This roster features the witch-goddess Circe, who transforms men into swine, as well as the treacherous Sirens. Despite these trials, his sworn oath is to overcome anything to reunite with Penelope and Telemachus on his home island.
This film's ensemble is remarkably star-studded. Alongside the leading trio is Charlize Theron portraying the shrewd goddess, alongside Zendaya, Lupita Nyong'o, Robert Pattinson, Elliot Page, and Jon Bernthal.
A Tale of Many Adaptations
The classic poem has seen numerous adaptations throughout history. Examples include contemporary versions and a late-90s dance production. There has even been adapted into a musical titled Epic: The Musical, presented as a nine-album collection.
The official trailer was long awaited following the project's reveal and a brief teaser which was initially shown only on the big screen. That teaser subsequently found its way onto the internet shortly thereafter.
To see a clearer version, the trailer posted on the movie's verified account might deliver enhanced visual quality.
The Odyssey is scheduled for release in IMAX theaters worldwide on July 17, 2026.
