Watch the Director's The Odyssey Preview the Way It Wasn't Meant for Viewing.
The acclaimed filmmaker's legendary action saga, The Odyssey, is a film audiences have been anticipating ever since it was revealed. It firmly sits among the most hotly anticipated motion pictures coming next year. In a festive surprise, a preview has now been released, though it's hampered due to the platform's low-quality encodingāmaybe illustrating the director's choice to restrict the preview exclusive to cinemas.
The Initial Look of the Stellar Ensemble
This first look showcases Matt Damon in the role of the king of Ithaca. We also see Tom Holland playing the son and Anne Hathaway depicting the loyal wife. During an emotional scene, the character pleads with Odysseus to promise he will return, only for him to respond by asking what happens if he cannot. The trailer also offers a brief, shadowy glimpse at Polyphemus the Cyclops, whose flock Odysseus and his crew steal on their treacherous voyage.
Based upon a cornerstone in classic storytelling, The Odyssey follows the lengthy quest undertaken by the famed ruler. Following his victory in the Trojan War, as told within the companion epic, Odysseus endures a long and perilous road home.
Legendary Obstacles and a Star-Studded Lineup
Along his path, the hero encounters numerous obstacles and legendary creatures. This roster features the enchantress Circe, who transforms men into swine, and the deceptive Sirens. Regardless of these ordeals, Odysseus vows to do whatever it takes to reunite with Penelope and Telemachus on his home island.
This film's ensemble is remarkably star-studded. Joining Damon, Holland, and Hathaway are Charlize Theron as the cunning Circe, alongside 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 modern retellings to a 1999 ballet. It has even been a stage musical adaptation called Epic: The Musical, released in the form of a nine-album collection.
A full-length preview has been highly anticipated since the film's announcement and a brief teaser which was initially shown exclusively in theaters. That footage later made its way online soon after.
To see a clearer version, the trailer posted on the film's official social channel may provide a better, clearer look.
The Odyssey will debut on global IMAX screens on July 17, 2026.
