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Universal Pictures has unveiled Matt Damon as Odysseus in Christopher Nolan's highly anticipated adaptation of Homer's "The Odyssey," slated for release on July 17, 2026. The announcement, accompanied by a first-look photo of Damon in character, marks the actor's third collaboration with Nolan following their successful partnerships in "Oppenheimer" and "Interstellar."
The film boasts an extraordinary ensemble cast featuring Tom Holland, Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong'o, Anne Hathaway, and Charlize Theron, among others. This adaptation of Homer's ancient epic will bring the legendary tale to IMAX screens for the first time, utilizing groundbreaking IMAX film technology.
Production is set to commence in spring 2025, with filming locations including the Italian island of Favignana, historically known as "goat island." This Mediterranean location is believed to be the setting Homer envisioned for one of Odysseus's landings during his decade-long journey. The choice of filming location demonstrates Nolan's commitment to authenticity in bringing the classic tale to life.
The original epic poem follows Odysseus's perilous 10-year voyage home to Ithaca following the Trojan War, facing divine intervention and mythical creatures while his wife and son ward off ambitious suitors in his absence. Universal describes the project as a "mythic action epic shot across the world," suggesting a grand scale befitting Homer's timeless narrative.
The film represents a significant milestone in Nolan's career, following his recent triumph at the 2024 Academy Awards, where "Oppenheimer" earned him his first Oscar wins for Best Picture and Best Director. It also marks his second collaboration with Universal Pictures after departing from his longtime studio home, Warner Bros., in 2020.
"The announcement of Damon as Odysseus brings tremendous excitement to the project," says film critic Marcus Reynolds. "His previous collaborations with Nolan have demonstrated their creative synergy, and this role offers Damon an opportunity to embody one of literature's most enduring heroes."
The production team includes Nolan's longtime partner Emma Thomas, who will produce under their Syncopy banner. The filmmaker has written the screenplay himself, adapting Homer's approximately 2,000-year-old text for modern audiences while maintaining its epic scope.
