Matt Damon unveils his first look as Odysseus from Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey

Matt Damon Odysseus

An exciting new update has been revealed for Christopher Nolan’s much-anticipated film The Odyssey, featuring its first image, which has generated a great deal of excitement among fans.

The striking poster features Matt Damon in the role of Odysseus, the legendary Greek hero at the heart of Homer’s epic poem. The first-look image shows Damon with his back to the camera, dressed in a warrior's robe, suggesting he has just returned from the battlefield following the Trojan War.

The film’s makers have confirmed that The Odyssey is set to hit cinemas on 17 July 2026. Based on Homer’s poem, the story follows the protagonist’s arduous 10-year journey back to his homeland of Ithaca after the end of the Trojan War.

This journey is fraught with interruptions, divine interventions, and encounters with mythical creatures, including the infamous Cyclopes. As Odysseus struggles to return to his wife, Penelope, and their son, Telemachus, he must also contend with ruthless suitors vying for his throne.

Alongside Damon, the film boasts an impressive ensemble cast, including Tom Holland, Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong’o, Anne Hathaway, Charlize Theron, Benny Safdie, and Jon Bernthal, each in pivotal roles. In terms of narrative, The Odyssey will delve into Odysseus’s trials, offering audiences a visually compelling and emotionally charged retelling of this timeless myth.

While details about the plot remain scarce, speculation has arisen around Mia Goth’s potential role. Some suggest she may play a siren, the mythical creatures whose enchanting voices lead sailors to their doom. Alternatively, she could portray a deity or even a statue, though Universal has yet to comment on her character.

The supporting cast also includes Elliot Page, Himesh Patel, Bill Irwin, and Samantha Morton. Written, directed, and produced by Christopher Nolan, The Odyssey promises to be a grand cinematic spectacle.

The Odyssey is set for its theatrical release on 17 July 2026, and fans are eagerly awaiting what will surely be another masterful creation from Nolan.