View the Director's This Epic Trailer the Way It Wasn't Meant for Viewing.
The acclaimed filmmaker's legendary action saga, The Odyssey, stands as a movie audiences have been anticipating ever since it was revealed. It easily ranks among the most hotly anticipated motion pictures coming next year. In a festive surprise, a preview has now been released, though it's hampered due to the platform's low-quality encoding—perhaps explaining the director's choice to restrict the preview exclusive to cinemas.
A First Glimpse at the Legendary Cast
The debut footage reveals Matt Damon in the role of Odysseus. We also see Tom Holland playing the son alongside Anne Hathaway as Penelope. During an emotional scene, Penelope asks Odysseus to promise he will return, to which he look up and question what happens if he cannot. 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 cornerstone in classic storytelling, The Odyssey follows the lengthy quest of the legendary King of Ithaca. After his triumph at Troy, as told in Homer's Iliad, the king faces a long and perilous road home.
Mythical Encounters with an All-Star Cast
On his travels, Odysseus confronts countless challenges and legendary creatures. These include the enchantress Circe, who transforms men into swine, and the deceptive Sirens. Regardless of these ordeals, Odysseus vows to do whatever it takes to reunite with Penelope and Telemachus on his home island.
The adaptation's cast 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
The classic poem has inspired numerous adaptations over the years. These range from modern retellings and a late-90s dance production. It has even been a stage musical adaptation titled Epic: The Musical, released in the form of a multi-part album series.
A full-length preview was long awaited following the project's reveal and a brief teaser that previously played only on the big screen. That teaser later made its way online shortly thereafter.
To see a clearer version, the preview available via the movie's verified account might deliver a better, clearer look.
The Odyssey will debut on global IMAX screens on July 17, 2026.
