Christopher Nolan’s next film has a name, a cast, and a second trailer. The Odyssey, a mythic action epic based on Homer’s ancient Greek poem, will hit theaters on July 17, 2026. Nolan is shooting the film across multiple locations worldwide using a new IMAX film technology, marking the first time Homer’s story has been presented on IMAX film screens.

The second trailer, simply labeled “Official Trailer #2 (2026),” confirms the staggering ensemble that Nolan has assembled. Matt Damon, Tom Holland, and Robert Pattinson lead the cast, joined by Anne Hathaway, Lupita Nyong’o, Zendaya, and Charlize Theron. The film is produced by Emma Thomas and Nolan under their Syncopy banner, with Thomas Hayslip serving as executive producer.

A foundational story, a new format

Homer’s Odyssey recounts the ten-year journey of the Greek hero Odysseus as he struggles to return home after the Trojan War. It is one of Western literature’s oldest surviving works and has been adapted countless times for stage, screen, and literature. Previous film versions include the 1954 Italian epic Ulysses starring Kirk Douglas, the 1997 television miniseries with Armand Assante, and the Coen brothers’ loosely inspired 2000 film O Brother, Where Art Thou?. Nolan’s take is distinct: it is the first to use IMAX film technology and the first major big-screen adaptation in decades from a director known for practical, ambitious filmmaking.

Nolan has long been an advocate for film as a physical medium. His past works — Dunkirk, Interstellar, Tenet, Oppenheimer — were all shot on large-format film, with Oppenheimer using a combination of IMAX 65mm and standard 65mm. For The Odyssey, Nolan is pushing further. The briefing notes that the film uses “brand new IMAX film technology,” though exact specifications have not been disclosed. Given Nolan’s history of working with IMAX to develop custom cameras and film stocks, this likely means an evolution of the IMAX 65mm format, possibly higher resolution or enhanced dynamic range.

Shooting globally for a story that spans the Mediterranean fits Nolan’s preference for practical locations over soundstages. The briefing confirms the film was “shot across the world,” though specific countries or sites have not been named.

The cast and what they bring

Nolan has a habit of assembling large, pedigreed ensembles. The Odyssey continues that tradition. Matt Damon previously worked with Nolan on Interstellar and Oppenheimer. Tom Holland and Robert Pattinson are newcomers to Nolan’s filmography; Pattinson starred in Tenet, but that was a different role. Holland brings blockbuster experience from the Spider-Man films and Uncharted, while Pattinson has demonstrated range in projects from The Lighthouse to The Batman.

Anne Hathaway collaborated with Nolan on Interstellar and The Dark Knight Rises. Lupita Nyong’o, Zendaya, and Charlize Theron each bring significant dramatic and action experience. The source material contains dozens of named characters — Odysseus, Penelope, Telemachus, Cyclops, Circe, the Sirens — but the briefing does not assign roles. Given the number of stars, it is reasonable to expect major characters like Odysseus (likely Damon or Holland) and supporting roles distributed among the rest.

What the trailer likely shows

The second trailer — following a first look that may have debuted months earlier — typically offers a deeper look at the story, visual style, and tone. Based on the description “mythic action epic,” expect sweeping shots of ancient ships, rugged coastlines, and the supernatural creatures Odysseus encounters. The use of new IMAX technology should give the film a crisp, high-detail look that stands apart from computer-generated fantasy epics.

Nolan is known for keeping plot details under wraps. Trailers for his films often avoid revealing major twists. This one will likely focus on the journey, the scale, and the star power.

Context and expectations

Nolan’s last film, Oppenheimer, grossed nearly $1 billion worldwide and won seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director. His follow-up was always going to draw intense scrutiny. Choosing a classical myth rather than a historical drama or original sci-fi concept is a notable shift. The Odyssey offers built-in narrative structure but also demands a big visual and emotional canvas. Nolan has never attempted fantasy or mythological material; his films are grounded in real physics, history, or near-future plausibility. The Odyssey will test whether his practical, grounded style can accommodate gods, monsters, and magic without losing its signature urgency.

The July 2026 release date places The Odyssey in prime summer blockbuster territory. It competes with other studio tentpoles but has the advantage of Nolan’s name recognition and IMAX exclusivity. The film’s explicit use of IMAX film screens — not just digital IMAX — could drive audiences to premium large-format venues, as Oppenheimer did with its 70mm engagements.

What remains unknown

A few details are absent from the briefing. No plot synopsis beyond the myth’s general outline. No runtime, budget, or MPAA rating. The roles for each actor remain unannounced. The specific IMAX technology improvements have not been detailed. The second trailer may address some of these, but Nolan’s team typically lets the film speak for itself in marketing.

One thing is certain: The Odyssey is one of the most anticipated films of 2026. A director at the peak of his powers, adapting one of the oldest stories ever told, with a cast that reads like a Hollywood Hall of Fame roster, and shot with film technology that has never been used before. If any film can justify the hype, this one has the tools to do it.

Mark your calendars for July 17, 2026. The journey begins then.