Homer’s The Odyssey – one of the oldest surviving works of literature – is getting the movie treatment.
Here’s everything you need to know…
Is The Odyssey going to be a movie?
Yes, in December 2024, Universal announced that a film adaptation of Homer’s The Odyssey was in the works. The film will be released in cinemas on July 16, 2026.
Is Christopher Nolan doing The Odyssey?
When Universal made the announcement, they confirmed Christopher Nolan – the two-time Oscar winner behind Oppenheimer, Inception, Interstellar, Memento, and Tenet – would direct The Odyssey.
Is Matt Damon playing Odysseus?
Yes, Matt Damon will play Odysseus, the legendary Greek king of Ithaca.
Images of Matt on set leaked in March 2025 and went viral, namely because of how brawny the 54-year-old looked.
In addition to Matt, The Odyssey cast list includes:
Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Zendaya, Lupita Nyong’o, Robert Pattinson, Charlize Theron, Jon Bernthal, Benny Safdie, John Leguizamo, Elliot Page, Himesh Patel, Bill Irwin, Samantha Morton, Jesse Garcia, Will Yun Lee, Rafi Gavron, Shiloh Fernandez, Mia Goth, Corey Hawkins, Nick E. Tarabay, Jimmy Gonzales, Maurice Compte, Michael Vlamis, Iddo Goldberg, Josh Stewart, Cosmo Jarvis, and Ryan Hurst.
Who is Tom Holland playing in The Odyssey movie?
It’s rumoured that Tom Holland will play Telemachus, Odysseus’ son.
Nothing’s been confirmed as of yet though, so watch this space.
Who will Anne Hathaway play in The Odyssey?
Reportedly, Anne Hathaway will play Penelope, Odysseus’ wife and queen of Ithaca.
Again, nothing’s been confirmed so watch this space.
Who will Zendaya play in The Odyssey?
Speculations are rife when it comes to who Zendaya will play in The Odyssey.
Most think the two-time Emmy winner will play Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom and strategic warfare.
However, some are convinced Zendaya will play either Nausicaa – the princess of Scheria who helps Odysseus when he’s shipwrecked – or Calypso – a nymph who keeps Odysseus captive on her island.
Watch this space, we’ll let you know as soon as it’s officially announced.
What is the story of The Odyssey?
The Odyssey, attributed to Homer, is an ancient Greek epic poem that follows the hero Odysseus’ long journey home after the Trojan War.
Delayed by vengeful gods, mythical creatures, and treacherous encounters, Odysseus faces trials like the Cyclops Polyphemus, the enchantress Circe, and the deadly Sirens.
Meanwhile, in Ithaca, his wife Penelope fends off suitors vying for her hand, believing Odysseus to be dead.
But after a decade of peril, Odysseus finally returns in disguise, outwits the suitors, and reclaims his throne.
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