Great director Christopher Nolan’s next film will be called ‘The Odyssey’. On hearing this news, the enthusiasm of epic cinema fans has doubled. Nolan has proven himself to be among the most powerful and versatile directors of the 21st century. His list of films is also amazing—science fiction (Interstellar), serious biography (Oppenheimer), and explosive action thriller (The Dark Knight Trilogy). This British director has a unique style; he presents every story on such a grand scale that the audience is stunned. And yes, he also has a strong hand in high-tech filmmaking.
Ever since winning the Oscar for Oppenheimer, the world has been eagerly waiting for his next film. For months, discussions about the mysterious project flew—sometimes it was said he was filming helicopter pilots, sometimes there were rumors about vampires. But now it is clear that his next film will be The Odyssey. That means Nolan is now about to bring another historical epic to the big screen.
This new film of Christopher Nolan will be directly based on the ancient Greek epic. Nolan started directing with Following in 1998 and has directed more than a dozen films to date. Even critics never get tired of praising his films, and his films have been hits at the box office too. Gradually, he started being counted among the biggest and most respected directors of modern Hollywood. Finally, in 2023, he also got his first Oscar for Best Director for Oppenheimer.
Now, for his next film, Nolan is making a new adaptation of the famous Odyssey of the Greek poet Homer. And as always, it will also be shot specifically with IMAX in mind. This will be his second big project with Universal Pictures, who also made Oppenheimer a blockbuster. The film will be released on July 17, 2026, and it is being called “all over the world a mythical action epic” made using the new IMAX technology.
Now, talking about the cast, even before the story was made, big stars have been added to the film. By this time, names like Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway, Tom Holland, Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong’o, and Charlize Theron have been added. But no information has been revealed yet about their characters. The scope of the film is so big that more actors can be seen in it in the future. According to reports, shooting will take place in early 2025 and release in 2026. It also matches the pattern of Nolan’s previous films—Interstellar, Dunkirk, Tenet, and Oppenheimer—all came with a three-year gap. And The Odyssey is also coming just three years after Oppenheimer.
Well, The Odyssey has appeared on screen many times before—in 1954’s Ulysses (Kirk Douglas), 1997’s miniseries The Odyssey (Armand Assante), and most recently in 2024’s The Return (Ralph Fiennes). Additionally, many movies and TV shows have been inspired by it, such as O Brother, Where Art Thou?, Cold Mountain, and Star Trek: Odyssey.
But Nolan’s record and his mastery of IMAX technology make this project more special. The Odyssey‘s story follows a hero who fights his wounds (trauma) and vanity (hubris)—this is the same theme that has also appeared in Nolan’s previous films. IMAX cameras will make this epic even grander.
With such a strong star cast and a great team, Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey will doubtless be one of the biggest films of 2026.
What is the story of The Odyssey?
Odyssey is an epic story written by Homer which is considered to be the most special gem of ancient Greek literature. It is the story of Odysseus, king of Ithaca, who embarks on a 10-year-long sea voyage and tries to return to his home despite being repeatedly in difficulties. Odysseus’ greatest strength was his wit and his cleverness, the stories of which spread far and wide. This journey back home was not just about crossing the ocean, but it was also a battle within his heart and mind, where he had to face his fears, doubts and sacrifices. In every part of this epic we realize his struggles with Odysseus, the challenges and his indomitable intentions.
The Trojan Horse – Odysseus’ Greatest Trick
Odysseus’ cunning set a new precedent in the last days of the Trojan War. At the same time, he made a plan that not only ended the Trojan War but also left its mark forever in history. He built a huge wooden horse, inside which Greek warriors were hidden. This horse was left as a gift at the door of Troy. The Trojans mistook this for a real gift and brought the horse within the city. But as night fell, the Greek soldiers came out of the horse and suddenly attacked. This move not only ended the war but also destroyed a great city like Troy.
The Cyclops Polyphemus – Wit vs. Strength
During the sea voyage, Odysseus and his companions reached a strange island. Here he encountered a terrible and giant cyclops, Polyphemus. Initially Polifemus lets them into his cave, but soon his true creepy nature is revealed. He caught and swallowed some of Odysseus’ companions. Everyone was shocked to see this.
But Odysseus was also no ordinary human being. He worked the magic of his intelligence. At first he made Polyphemus drink powerful wine. Then when the monster asked his name, Odysseus cleverly replied— “My name is Nobody (Nobody)” Poliphemus, drunk, fell asleep and at the same time Odysseus and his companions broke his only eye by turning a sharp wood red in the fire.
Blinded, when Polifemus shouted for help, he kept saying repeatedly— “Nobody has killed me!” The rest of the Cyclops are shocked to hear this and think it has gone mad itself. Because of this cleverness, Odysseus and his companions managed to escape the cave to save their lives.
Odysseus and his companions then arrived on the island of Eolus, the god of the winds. He got a great welcome there. Aeolus gave Odysseus a unique gift—a leather bag. All the opposite winds were captured in this bag, so that the journey could be easier.
When they became too close to Ithaca after several days of travel, Odysseus thought of a peaceful sleep. But meanwhile his companions felt that there was definitely gold, silver or some precious treasure in the bag. Out of greed he opened the bag. As soon as the bag opened, all the closed winds came out. The boat went out of control and started running in the opposite direction and the entire group of Odysseus again returned to the same place on the island of Ieolus.
The Land of the Cannibal Giants – Lestrygonians
Another scary trouble befell Odysseus and his companions when they reached the island of Lestraigonius. These people were not ordinary humans, but giant cannibals. As soon as Odysseus’ ships entered the port, these demons attacked. They picked up huge rocks like mountains and threw them on ships. Within no time most of the ships were destroyed and many companions died there. Only Odysseus’ ship somehow managed to escape amid this dangerous attack.
Odysseus and his remaining companions, who fled for their lives due to fear of Lestraigonius, reached the island of Cerci. Circey was a powerful sorceress. As soon as he arrived, he welcomed them with great love. But his real face was soon revealed. With his magical power he transformed Odysseus’ companions into animals. However, Odysseus himself did not fall victim to this magic. The god Hermes helped them and gave them a herb, which neutralized Circey’s magic.
With Hermes’ help Odysseus reached directly in front of Cerci and his magic did not work. After this Circey relented. He made Odysseus’ companions human again and stopped them all to rest on his island. For a whole year Odysseus and his companions rested there.
Journey to the Land of the Dead
But ultimately the journey had to move forward. Cerci gave an important advice to Odysseus as he went—, if they really want to reach home safely then they will have to go to the land of the dead and seek guidance from the blind prophet Teresius.
Odysseus obeyed him and set out to the land of the dead. There he met Arshi Teresius. This blind prophet gave Odysseus many warnings and prophecies— which were extremely important for his further journey. It was during this time that Odysseus also found his dead mother Anticlea. He said that the situation in Ithaca has worsened and there are fights going on over succession. Hearing this, Odysseus’s restlessness to return home increased even more.
The Deadly Sirens – Songs of Temptation
The next destination of Odysseus was the island of Sirens. These Sirens were infamous for their melodious and seductive lyrics, but listening to their lyrics was like calling death. Following Teresius’ advice, Odysseus closed the ears of his companions with wax so that they could escape these dangerous songs. But Odysseus himself wanted him to listen to his songs. So he made a move—, tied himself tightly to the ship’s mast. So that even if he comes under the magic of the song, he will not be able to free himself and put the ship in danger.
As the Sirens teased their songs, they began to sing things wrapped in all kinds of temptation. The voice was so seductive as to seduce anyone, but Odysseus remained firmly bound, and his ship sailed safely.
Now the journey brought them to another dangerous place, between two sea demons. On one side was Scilla, the six-headed fearsome monstrosity, and on the other was Khairibdis, a giant water vortex that could swallow up an entire ship. This place was extremely narrow and Odysseus had a very difficult choice. He followed the advice of Cerci and Teresius and decided to pass by Scilla instead of Khairibdis. There was bound to be loss, but at least more lives could have been saved. As their ship passed by Scilla, he drew six of his heads and swallowed six of Odysseus’ companions. This grief was heavy, but everyone else managed to escape the whirlpool of Khairibdis and overtake it.
The Forbidden Cattle of the Sun God
After going through a lot of difficulties, Odysseus and his companions reached the island of Thrinacea. Here were grazing the holy sheep of Helios, that is, the sun god. Odysseus had clearly warned his companions not to harm these sheep under any circumstances. But the long journey and hunger and thirst made his companions restless.
One day while Odysseus was resting, his companions gave up on hunger. They killed and ate the holy sheep of Helios. When Helios got the news, he became furious and complained directly to Zeus. Zeus also did not delay in punishing. As Odysseus’ ship left the island, a severe storm raged through the sky. Lightning began to strike, the sea swelled and within no time the entire ship was wrecked. All Odysseus’s companions were killed in that terrible storm, only Odysseus somehow survived.
Odysseus floated alone into the sea, somehow saving his life from the great storm. After battling the waves for several days they reached the island of Calypso, Ogigia. Calypso was a divine sorceress. She gave Odysseus a place on her island and gradually fell in love with him. He held Odysseus for seven full years. Calypso even proposed to make him immortal, that if he stayed with him forever, he would never have to grow old or die. But Odysseus’s heart was only longing to return to Ithaca. Ultimately, on the orders of the gods, Calypso had to obey. He sent Odysseus off with a boat and food items so he could proceed with his journey.
The Phaeacians – Return Gift of Hospitality
Now Odysseus reached Scaria, the island of the Fascian people. King Alcinous and Queen Eret welcomed him wholeheartedly. They requested Odysseus to listen to the story of his long and difficult journey. Odysseus also narrated all the experiences from the beginning—cyclops, Circey, Sirens, Scilla-Kharybdis, everything. King Alcinous was so impressed upon hearing their story that he ordered his finest ship to deliver Odysseus to Ithaca.
Eventually, Odysseus returned home to Ithaca. But here another big challenge was waiting for him. There were a lot of rival people present in his palace— who wanted to marry his wife Penelope and were thinking of taking over his property. Odysseus immediately made a plan. With the help of his loyal servant, he disguised himself as a beggar and quietly entered his own palace.
During this time, Penelope also made a unique bet. She announced that she would marry the one who would be able to draw Odysseus’ bow and pass the arrow through the holes of the twelve axes. All the contenders tried, but none succeeded. Then Odysseus, disguised as a beggar, lifted the bow. In front of everyone he not only drew the bow, but also passed the arrow through the holes of the twelve axes. At that very moment his real identity came to light.
After this, Odysseus and his son Telemachus together defeated all the rivals and regained their home, property, and kingdom. The king of Ithaca had finally returned to his real home— after many years of difficulty, struggle and indomitable courage.
Penelope’s Final Test – Recognition of the True King
After freeing his home and kingdom from enemies, the most emotional moment of Odysseus’s life came— to reunite with his wife Penelope and son Telemachus. But Penelope was not going to believe it so easily. Before truly accepting this “beggar who returned after years as her husband, they put a final test to test his identity.
Penelope told her servants to bring out their bedroom bed. Odysseus was shocked to hear this. He immediately pointed out that this was impossible, as he had carved that bed himself from a huge olive tree, and it could never be removed. Only the real Odysseus could know this secret.
On hearing this, tears welled up in Penelope’s eyes. Now she was fully convinced that the person standing in front of her was her true husband. This husband-wife union happened after years of separation and struggle, and that moment became the most emotional moment of the entire epic.
Odysseus then completely cleared his castle and kingdom. Justice was given to all those who took advantage of his absence and misused his family and property. And finally, Odysseus re-established peace and stability in Ithaca.
