🔗 Share this article Watch Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey Preview the Way It Was Never Intended to Be Seen. The acclaimed filmmaker's mythic action epic, The Odyssey, stands as a movie we've been eagerly awaiting since its announcement. It easily ranks among the most hotly anticipated films of 2026. As a pre-Christmas treat, a preview has now been released, even if it's compromised due to the platform's low-quality encoding—maybe illustrating the director's choice to restrict the preview exclusive to cinemas. A First Glimpse at the Legendary Cast This first look reveals Matt Damon in the role of the king of Ithaca. Audiences are introduced to Tom Holland as Telemachus and Anne Hathaway as Penelope. During an emotional scene, the character pleads with her husband to vow he will return, to which he respond by asking what happens if he cannot. The trailer also offers a brief, shadowy glimpse at Polyphemus the Cyclops, from whom sheep are are taken by the hero and his men during their arduous journey. Based upon a cornerstone in classic storytelling, The Odyssey chronicles the lengthy quest undertaken by the famed ruler. Following his victory at Troy, as told within the companion epic, Odysseus endures a long and perilous return to his homeland. Legendary Obstacles with an All-Star Cast On his travels, Odysseus confronts numerous obstacles and legendary creatures. These include the enchantress Circe, who transforms men into swine, as well as the treacherous Sirens. Regardless of these ordeals, his sworn oath is to overcome anything to get back to his wife and son on his home island. This film's ensemble is remarkably star-studded. Joining Damon, Holland, and Hathaway is Charlize Theron as the cunning Circe, together with Zendaya, Lupita Nyong'o, Robert Pattinson, Elliot Page, and Jon Bernthal. A Tale of Many Adaptations Homer's epic has inspired numerous adaptations throughout history. Examples include contemporary versions to a 1999 ballet. It has even been adapted into a musical titled Epic: The Musical, released in the form of a multi-part album series. A full-length preview was long awaited since the film's announcement and a brief teaser that previously played exclusively in theaters. That teaser subsequently found its way onto the internet shortly thereafter. To see a clearer version, the preview available via the film's official social channel might deliver enhanced visual quality. The Odyssey will debut on global IMAX screens next summer.