After Tom Holland, Christopher Nolan casts more Marvel icons in The Odyssey

Christopher Nolan is known for reimagining (and redefining) genres, and he is now taking on Greek mythology. After revolutionizing science fiction with Interstellar and examining violence in Dunkirk, his comeback will be with a remake of The Odyssey for modern times.

With Tom Holland headlining an already star-studded cast and Zendaya, another Marvel superstar featuring in the film, Jon Bernthal has also been confirmed to feature in the upcoming movie according to Deadline. The movie will also feature Matt Damon, Lupita Nyong'o, Anne Hathaway, Robert Pattinson, and Charlize Theron.

However, one should know that only the cast has been confirmed so far. But, their characters have not been confirmed. Shooting is expected to begin in February 2025, with a tentative release set for July 17, 2026, according to Deadline.

Disclaimer: Some parts of the article contain the writer's views and opinions. Reader discretion is advised.

Christopher Nolan’s bold take on The Odyssey

Given how the story of resilience and homecoming reflects the emotional depth of Interstellar and the survivalist grit of Dunkirk, Christopher Nolan's choice to adapt The Odyssey seems like a marriage made in cinematic paradise. Odysseus's trip fits his narrative lens since his movies frequently show people overcoming difficult circumstances.

Nolan's obsession with people who challenge seemingly insurmountable obstacles is matched by the narrative of Odysseus, a hero negotiating hardships to return home during the Trojan War. Odysseus's trip is as much about inner resilience as it is about outside hurdles, much like Cobb's path across dream layers in Inception or Cooper's dire mission in Interstellar.

Nolan's signature non-linear narrative, which combines the past, present, and future into a single cinematic experience, seems to reflect the fractured narrative of a seaman reporting his hardships.

Tom Holland: more than just Spider-Man

Holland has shown he can add roughness, emotional depth, and sensitivity to his performances. These traits make him a strong candidate for playing a multifarious figure like Odysseus, however, it seems like Matt Damon might play the lead and Holland could play his son, Telemachus, according to ScreenRant.

This film might be a turning point in Holland's career, confirming his development from superhero roles to commanding tragic epics.

Holland's recent efforts in more dramatic roles, like Cherry and The Crowded Room, suggest his preparedness to take on a project of this kind, even while he's enchanted worldwide audiences as Spider-Man in the MCU.

Should Holland represent Odysseus or another important character, his capacity to portray sensitivity and tenacity could change how viewers view the Greek hero. This is not just another action role for Holland; it’s a chance to solidify his status as a versatile actor capable of leading a complex epic.

Marvel meets mythology: who’s next?

The inclusion of other Marvel stars in The Odyssey has sparked widespread speculation. Could Zendaya, whose magnetic relationship with Holland produce an interesting dynamic on film?

This opens up a wealth of narrative possibilities. As different kinds of heroes, these Marvel stars bring a fresh, humanized perspective to these iconic mythological figures.

The possibilities are endless, but one thing is clear: Nolan’s decision to tap into Marvel’s pool of talent ensures a broader appeal for The Odyssey. Beyond the star power, these performers provide a depth of performance that can turn the epic tale into a very human trip.

Exploring the Nolanverse

Christopher Nolan has created a connected universe, known as the 'Nolanverse,' where his films share common themes, visuals, and ideas. The Odyssey explores themes from movies like Dunkirk, Inception, and Interstellar—survival, time, and human resilience—and expands this universe.

Some even speculate that The Odyssey will include nods and subtle (or not so subtle) references and Easter eggs from his earlier films, tying it further into the Nolanverse.

The question that lingers: And John Berthal?

Before entering the realm of fans insanely talking about this and making speculations and everything Berthal is involved in, who he will be playing in the movie has not been confirmed.

The iconic MCU actor, Bernthal is also set to feature in the upcoming Daredevil, where he will reprise his iconic role as The Punisher. The actor also won an Emmy Award for The Bear. The Accountant 2, the sequel to the 2016 movie of the same name is set to hit theatres this April and stars Ben Affleck alongside Bernthal.

A modern journey through ancient mythology

Retelling The Odyssey in 2026 needs more than stunning visuals—it must be relevant. For example, his resistance to the sirens can mirror today’s battles with digital distractions. His loyalty to family and home reflects the challenges of maintaining relationships in our increasingly isolated, tech-driven world.

Through Nolan’s lens, these age-old themes could resonate deeply with modern audiences. This might be a perfect opportunity for Nolan to showcase his talent for incorporating modern themes into classic tales.

The fact that Odysseus fought the sirens can represent our own fights with want and distraction in the modern world, and his dogged resolve to go home could represent our need for community in a world where people are becoming more and more isolated.

Technology, spectacle, and the Nolan signature

Technical ingenuity is a synonym with Nolan's films, and The Odyssey looks set to take it to the next level. Nolan never stops challenging the limits of cinema, whether it's with the realistic stunts in Tenet or the enveloping IMAX landscapes in Interstellar.

Think of all the fantastical marine creatures from Greek mythology brought to life with state-of-the-art computer graphics and special effects. Add the Nolan signature and we have a trifecta.

This approach might include building massive practical sets for the monsters’ environments, blending them seamlessly with advanced CGI to create an immersive, tactile experience for audiences.

Why The Odyssey is the perfect story for Nolan

Few directors are as skilled in investigating ideas of time, resiliency, and human connection as Christopher Nolan. Since Odysseus's path captures these ideas, The Odyssey is the perfect canvas for Nolan's narrative.

Similar emotional beats may be found in the upcoming movie in the Nolanverse, just as Dunkirk captured the relentless fight for survival amid chaos and Interstellar explored the human spirit's steadfastness through Cooper's determination to save his family.

Nolan's fascination with people pushing boundaries is reflected in Odysseus' perseverance in the face of legendary obstacles, creating a tale full of both immense spectacle and immense empathy.

Just as Dunkirk turned a historical event into an emotional rollercoaster and Interstellar turned a father’s love into an intergalactic quest, The Odyssey could transform a hero’s return into a deeply personal exploration of what it means to find home—both physically and emotionally.

Nolan’s most ambitious gamble yet?

For Christopher Nolan, The Odyssey is a new frontier. He can make a film that is both entertaining and profoundly meaningful by fusing his unique cinematic language with ancient legend.

Will viewers be forced to reconsider the limits of epic filmmaking, or will this ambitious retelling solidify Nolan's reputation as the greatest storyteller of our time? The stakes are high: would The Odyssey fail due to its ambition, or will it reinvent the ancient epic for a new generation?

A timeless story, a brilliant cast, and a visionary director all suggest a successful film. After all, Nolan is the only one who can make Odysseus's trip come to life.