See the Director's The Odyssey Preview the Way It Was Never Intended for Viewing.
The acclaimed filmmaker's legendary action saga, The Odyssey, is a film we've been eagerly awaiting since its announcement. It easily ranks among the most hotly anticipated motion pictures coming next year. As a pre-Christmas treat, a preview has now been released, though it's hampered by YouTube's poor compression—perhaps explaining the director's choice to restrict the trailer solely for theatrical audiences.
The Initial Look of the Stellar Ensemble
This first look reveals Matt Damon in the role of the king of Ithaca. We also see Tom Holland playing the son and Anne Hathaway as Penelope. During an emotional scene, Penelope asks her husband to vow he will return, only for him to look up and question what occurs should he fail. Furthermore, the preview provides a quick, obscured look at Polyphemus the Cyclops, from whom sheep are are taken by the hero and his men on their treacherous voyage.
Based upon a foundational pillar of Western literature, The Odyssey chronicles the epic journey undertaken by the famed ruler. Following his victory at Troy, which is depicted within the companion epic, Odysseus endures a long and perilous road home.
Mythical Encounters with an All-Star Cast
On his travels, the hero encounters numerous obstacles and mythical beings. These include the enchantress Circe, known for turning humans into pigs, and the deceptive Sirens. Regardless of these ordeals, Odysseus vows to do whatever it takes to reunite with Penelope and Telemachus in Ithaca.
This film's ensemble is remarkably star-studded. Joining Damon, Holland, and Hathaway are Charlize Theron portraying the shrewd goddess, together with Zendaya, Lupita Nyong'o, Robert Pattinson, Elliot Page, and Jon Bernthal.
A Story Repeatedly Told
Homer's epic has seen numerous adaptations throughout history. Examples include modern retellings to a 1999 ballet. It has even been a stage musical adaptation titled Epic: The Musical, presented as a nine-album collection.
A full-length preview has been highly anticipated since the film's announcement and a brief teaser that previously played exclusively in theaters. That teaser later made its way online soon after.
To see a clearer version, the preview available via the film's official social channel might deliver a better, clearer look.
The Odyssey is scheduled for release in IMAX theaters worldwide on July 17, 2026.
