Watch the Director's The Odyssey Preview in a Manner It Wasn't Meant for Viewing.
The acclaimed filmmaker's mythic action epic, 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 trailer has finally arrived, even if it's compromised by YouTube's poor compressionāperhaps 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 the king of Ithaca. Audiences are introduced to Tom Holland playing the son and Anne Hathaway as Penelope. In a poignant moment, the character pleads with her husband to vow his safe homecoming, to which he look up and question what occurs should he fail. The trailer also offers a brief, shadowy glimpse of the mythical one-eyed giant, from whom sheep are Odysseus and his crew steal during their arduous journey.
Adapted from a foundational pillar of Western literature, The Odyssey follows the epic journey undertaken by the famed ruler. After his triumph at Troy, which is depicted in Homer's Iliad, the king faces a long and perilous road home.
Mythical Encounters with an All-Star Cast
On his travels, the hero encounters countless challenges and mythical beings. This roster features the enchantress Circe, who transforms men into swine, as well as the treacherous Sirens. Regardless of these ordeals, his sworn oath is to do whatever it takes to get back to his wife and son on his home island.
The adaptation's cast boasts an impressive lineup. Joining Damon, Holland, and Hathaway is Charlize Theron as the cunning Circe, alongside Zendaya, Lupita Nyong'o, Robert Pattinson, Elliot Page, and Jon Bernthal.
A Story Repeatedly Told
Homer's epic has inspired many reinterpretations over the years. Examples include contemporary versions to a 1999 ballet. It has even been a stage musical adaptation called Epic: The Musical, presented as a multi-part album series.
A full-length preview has been highly anticipated since the film's announcement and a brief teaser that previously played exclusively in theaters. That teaser later made its way online shortly thereafter.
For a superior viewing experience, the preview available via the film's official social channel might deliver a better, clearer look.
The Odyssey is scheduled for release in IMAX theaters worldwide on July 17, 2026.
