It seems that ol' Chris Nolan has finally caught the period drama bug—move over Ridley Scott. After a slew of star cast reveals and studio teasers, Universal Studios has finally told us what Christopher Nolan's upcoming 2026 release will be about.
Excited? You bet we are—and we're sure that Nolan himself is beyond happy to direct this project. Nolan has previously demonstrated his mastery of period pieces, most notably with Oppenheimer, the Best Picture-winning film that chronicled the creation of the atomic bomb and explored the moral dilemmas of scientific innovation during World War II. Before that, he directed The Prestige, a gripping adaptation of Christopher Priest’s novel about two rival magicians set against the richly detailed backdrop of 1890s London. While both films were grounded in historical settings, they showcased Nolan’s ability to blend fact with compelling drama and, in the case of The Prestige, a touch of fantasy. The Odyssey would be his first foray into adapting mythological material, but his past success with period storytelling positions him as the perfect filmmaker to tackle such an epic tale.
The Odyssey has inspired numerous adaptations over the years, including the 1954 classic Ulysses, starring Kirk Douglas, and the Coen brothers' 2000 film O Brother, Where Art Thou?, which reimagined the epic in a Depression-era setting. The story of the Trojan War, which precedes Odysseus’ journey, was brought to life in 2004's Troy, with Brad Pitt as Achilles and Sean Bean as Odysseus. Interestingly, Troy director Wolfgang Petersen once revealed that Christopher Nolan was considered to helm the project before he went on to direct Batman Begins.
What Will The Film Be About?
While details remain under wraps, Christopher Nolan’s take on The Odyssey is expected to be a grand, cerebral retelling of Homer’s epic poem. At its core, this 8th century BC tale from ancient Greece follows Odysseus, King of Ithaca, and his perilous journey home after the Trojan War, navigating encounters with mythical creatures, vengeful gods, and temptations that test his intellect, resilience, and humanity. Knowing Nolan, the film could explore deeper themes of time, fate, and heroism, while delivering visually stunning sequences and intricate storytelling. With a star-studded cast and Nolan’s penchant for reinvention, this adaptation is poised to offer a fresh, thought-provoking take on one of history’s greatest tales.
Given Christopher Nolan’s penchant for ambitious storytelling and epic runtimes, The Odyssey could very well become his longest film. His most recent project, Oppenheimer, clocked in at a hefty 3 hours, exploring dense themes with a sprawling narrative. Considering The Odyssey involves an episodic journey spanning years, filled with gods, mythical creatures, and human drama, a lengthy runtime would be necessary to do justice to the source material. While nothing is confirmed yet, it wouldn’t be surprising if The Odyssey exceeds Oppenheimer and rivals other cinematic epics like Lawrence of Arabia or Ben-Hur in scope and runtime.
What About The Casting?
If you're a fan of Greek history and mythology, Nolan's next movie is the fan-casting assignment of the century, packed with big names that, curiously, have all appeared in Marvel and DC Cinematic Universe films. Here's what we guess will play out, based on recently-confirmed details from Universal Studios:
Matt Damon as Odysseus
Damon is a natural fit for the role of the resourceful and resilient Odysseus. His ability to portray intelligence, determination, and vulnerability would bring depth to the Greek hero.
Anne Hathaway as Penelope
Having worked with Nolan before, Hathaway could easily embody Penelope's grace, loyalty, and quiet strength as she fends off suitors while awaiting Odysseus’ return.
Tom Holland as Telemachus
Holland’s youthful energy and vulnerability make him an excellent choice for Telemachus, Odysseus’ son, who comes of age while defending his family and seeking his father.
Charlize Theron as Athena
Theron’s commanding presence and ability to exude both wisdom and intensity make her a perfect Athena, the goddess who guides and protects Odysseus on his journey.
Zendaya as Circe
Zendaya’s enigmatic charm and ability to portray both allure and depth make her an ideal Circe, the sorceress who temporarily traps Odysseus on her island.
Robert Pattinson as Poseidon
Pattinson’s ability to convey brooding menace would make him an intriguing Poseidon, the god bent on thwarting Odysseus’ return home.
Lupita Nyong’o as Calypso
Nyong’o’s elegance and emotional range would suit Calypso, the nymph who detains Odysseus in hopes of making him her immortal lover.
Michael Caine (inevitably) as Tiresias
A Nolan staple, Caine would likely have a cameo as Tiresias, the blind prophet who advises Odysseus during his journey to the underworld.
Bonus Predictions:
Joseph Gordon-Levitt as one of the suitors—perhaps the ringleader, Antinous.
Cillian Murphy could appear as Eumaeus, the loyal swineherd who helps Odysseus reclaim his throne.
Christopher Nolan kicked off 2024 with a career milestone, finally winning his first Oscars for Oppenheimer, which bagged both Best Picture and Best Director. He wrapped up the year with yet another honour: being knighted by King Charles, a nod to his incredible contributions to cinema. As Nolan gears up for his next big project, his glowing recent praise for Ridley Scott’s Gladiator II feels like a good sign. Naming it the best film of the year, he called Scott’s work “brilliant” and “masterful,” especially in balancing emotional depth with jaw-dropping spectacle. If Nolan’s admiration for epic storytelling is anything to go by, it’s clear he’s going to pour the same passion and precision into his vision of ancient Greece and its iconic mythical figures.
