Christopher Nolan teams up with Interstellar and Oppenheimer cinematographer for the upcoming The Odyssey

After the massive success of Oppenheimer, Christopher Nolan is back in the director's chair with his highly anticipated epic period drama film The Odyssey. With a star-studded cast and an exploration of a legendary poem, Nolan's next film is all set to be a theatrical masterpiece.

The director is joining hands with Hoyte van Hoytema, who he has previously worked with for Interstellar, Dunkirk, Tenet, and Oppenheimer. The Dutch-Swedish cinematographer has received two Oscar nominations for Dunkirk and Oppenheimer, taking home the award for the latter.

The Odyssey will be inspired by Homer's epic poem and has so far announced Zendaya, Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong’o, Anne Hathaway, Charlize Theron, Jon Bernthal and Benny Safdie as a part of the cast. Damon is playing the role of the titular Odysseus, the first look of which was dropped yesterday.

It has further been reported that Nolan will be using brand new IMAX film technology for the film, which has revealed Sicily, the U.K., and Morocco to be some of the locations for shooting. Knowing Nolan, The Odyssey will likely be a loyal adaptation and will stay true to Homer's epic and won't stray too far away from history.

The official social media account for The Odyssey has added a few words for the film, stating,

Christopher Nolan’s next film ‘The Odyssey’ is a mythic action epic shot across the world using brand new IMAX film technology. The film brings Homer’s foundational saga to IMAX film screens for the first time and opens in theaters everywhere on July 17, 2026.

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What is The Odyssey about?

The epic poem revolves around Odysseus, who is returning home after the Trojan War. In literal translation, odyssey refers to a long journey and the title of the poem refers to the hero's journey back home after the long battle.

Other important roles in the poem include Odysseus' wife Penelope, who is portrayed as a headstrong, intelligent, and loyal queen of Ithaca who awaits her husband's arrival. While alone, she has to shoot down multiple suitors and advisors who suggest that she get married again for the sake of the kingdom.

Odysseus' son, Telemachus, also plays a pivotal role in the poem. In the story, he sets out to look for Odysseus, and the first four parts of the poem are told from his perspective. Athena, Circe, Poseidon, and Zeus are also integral parts of the story. It is not yet revealed which actors will be playing the roles of Penelope and Telemachus.

The Odyssey is set to release on July 17, 2026