Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey Production

Developing StoryLast updated MAY 10
SUMMARY

Christopher Nolan's upcoming film 'The Odyssey', starring Matt Damon as Odysseus, wrapped principal photography on August 8, 2025, ahead of its scheduled July 17, 2026 release. As of May 10, 2026, the film is the first feature entirely shot with IMAX 70mm film cameras using a specialized system named 'Keely', with filming locations including Morocco, Greece, and Iceland. Nolan unveiled extended footage at CinemaCon 2026, including scenes of the Trojan Horse, and the film has a reported budget of $250 million. The cast also includes Anne Hathaway, Tom Holland, Robert Pattinson, Zendaya, Charlize Theron, and Lupita Nyong'o, though the latter's rumored role as Helen of Troy has drawn public criticism from figures like Elon Musk. Jonathan Nolan has described the film as 'tremendous'.

Timeline

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Timeline of developments

May 2026 1 developments

  1. Christopher Nolan's upcoming film 'The Odyssey' is the first feature entirely shot with IMAX 70mm film cameras, utilizing a specialized system he named 'Keely'.

    Christopher Nolan's upcoming film 'The Odyssey' is the first feature entirely shot with IMAX 70mm film cameras, utilizing a specialized system he named 'Keely'. Filming took place between February and August 2025 in international locations including Morocco, Greece, and Iceland.

April 2026 1 developments

  1. Christopher Nolan unveiled extended footage from 'The Odyssey' at CinemaCon 2026, reportedly including scenes of the Trojan Horse and a nighttime infiltration of Troy.

    Christopher Nolan unveiled extended footage from 'The Odyssey' at CinemaCon 2026, reportedly including scenes of the Trojan Horse and a nighttime infiltration of Troy. The film, starring Matt Damon as Odysseus, is set for release on July 17, 2026, and was shot entirely on IMAX 70mm film cameras.

March 2026 2 developments

  1. Christopher Nolan's 'The Odyssey' has added Tom Holland, Robert Pattinson, Zendaya, and Charlize The…

    Christopher Nolan's 'The Odyssey' has added Tom Holland, Robert Pattinson, Zendaya, and Charlize Theron to its ensemble cast, with filming locations including Morocco, Greece, and Italy. Universal Pictures plans an extended theatrical window, with a minimum of five weekends in 2026 and seven in 2027 before home entertainment release.

  2. Christopher Nolan's upcoming film 'The Odyssey' has a reported budget of $250 million, making it his most expensive film to date.

    Christopher Nolan's upcoming film 'The Odyssey' has a reported budget of $250 million, making it his most expensive film to date. The epic action film, starring Matt Damon as Odysseus and Anne Hathaway as Penelope, is scheduled for release on July 17, 2026, and is being shot entirely on IMAX 70 mm film cameras.

February 2026 3 developments

  1. Christopher Nolan's upcoming film 'The Odyssey' is scheduled for a theatrical release on July 17, 2026, in both the US and UK.

    Christopher Nolan's upcoming film 'The Odyssey' is scheduled for a theatrical release on July 17, 2026, in both the US and UK. Tickets for early IMAX 70mm screenings have gone on sale, with many locations reportedly selling out quickly.

  2. Jonathan Nolan has seen his brother Christopher Nolan's upcoming film 'The Odyssey' and described it as 'tremendous.

    Jonathan Nolan has seen his brother Christopher Nolan's upcoming film 'The Odyssey' and described it as 'tremendous.' The film, which is in post-production and slated for a July 17, 2026 release, was shot entirely with IMAX cameras. This update provides insight into the film's progress and early reception.

  3. Christopher Nolan's upcoming film 'The Odyssey' is facing public criticism and backlash over its casting choices.

    Christopher Nolan's upcoming film 'The Odyssey' is facing public criticism and backlash over its casting choices. Elon Musk has publicly stated that Nolan has "lost his integrity" due to alleged casting decisions, particularly Lupita Nyong'o's rumored role as Helen of Troy. Some critics are labeling the film as 'woke' in response to these casting rumors.

January 2026 1 developments

  1. Christopher Nolan's adaptation of 'The Odyssey' has revealed its main cast, with Matt Damon set to play Odysseus, Anne Hathaway as Penelope, and Tom Holland as Telemachus.

    Christopher Nolan's adaptation of 'The Odyssey' has revealed its main cast, with Matt Damon set to play Odysseus, Anne Hathaway as Penelope, and Tom Holland as Telemachus. The film, slated for a July 17, 2026 release, also features Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, Charlize Theron, and Lupita Nyong'o in supporting roles. This information adds significant detail to the film's production.

September 2025 1 developments

  1. Christopher Nolan was elected President of the Directors Guild of America (DGA), taking on a leadership role during a critical period for the film industry.

    Christopher Nolan was elected President of the Directors Guild of America (DGA), taking on a leadership role during a critical period for the film industry.

August 2025 1 developments

  1. Principal photography for "The Odyssey" wrapped on August 8, 2025, concluding a 91-day shoot that finished ahead of schedule.

    Principal photography for "The Odyssey" wrapped on August 8, 2025, concluding a 91-day shoot that finished ahead of schedule.

July 2025 1 developments

  1. Christopher Nolan's upcoming film 'The Odyssey' has seen its IMAX 70mm screenings sell out almost en…

    Christopher Nolan's upcoming film 'The Odyssey' has seen its IMAX 70mm screenings sell out almost entirely a year before its July 17, 2026 release date, with 95% of seats sold within an hour. The film continues to add to its ensemble cast, with recent additions including Himesh Patel, Elliot Page, Samantha Morton, and Bill Irwin. Nolan discussed the film's groundbreaking use of IMAX cameras with Empire Magazine, aiming for unprecedented intimacy and detail.

May 2025 1 developments

  1. Details emerged about Nolan's commitment to unique filming locations and the use of new IMAX cameras…

    Details emerged about Nolan's commitment to unique filming locations and the use of new IMAX cameras, with stunt performer James Newman describing the production as an "epic of all epics."

March 2025 1 developments

  1. Filming locations in Sicily, including Favignana island and the Aeolian islands, were scheduled to begin in late March and April, with additional filming planned in the UK.

    Filming locations in Sicily, including Favignana island and the Aeolian islands, were scheduled to begin in late March and April, with additional filming planned in the UK.

February 2025 2 developments

  1. Matt Damon was confirmed for the lead role of Odysseus in February 2025, joining the previously announced ensemble cast.

    Matt Damon was confirmed for the lead role of Odysseus in February 2025, joining the previously announced ensemble cast.

January 2025 1 developments

  1. Reports indicated that "The Odyssey" would be filmed from January to April 2025 in the UK, Morocco, and Italy, with a July 2026 release date.

    Reports indicated that "The Odyssey" would be filmed from January to April 2025 in the UK, Morocco, and Italy, with a July 2026 release date.

November 2024 1 developments

  1. Casting for "The Odyssey" took place throughout late 2024, with a star-studded ensemble cast being assembled for the ambitious project.

    Casting for "The Odyssey" took place throughout late 2024, with a star-studded ensemble cast being assembled for the ambitious project.

October 2024 1 developments

  1. Nolan secured the project with Universal Pictures, and the film was officially announced in December of the same year.

    Nolan secured the project with Universal Pictures, and the film was officially announced in December of the same year.

March 2024 2 developments

  1. Tom Holland described Christopher Nolan's upcoming film "The Odyssey" as an "absolute masterpiece" a…

    Tom Holland described Christopher Nolan's upcoming film "The Odyssey" as an "absolute masterpiece" and "unlike anything" he has seen before, stating it is "one of my proudest achievements as an actor."

  2. Christopher Nolan began writing "The Odyssey," marking the initial phase of development for the film adaptation of Homer's epic poem.

    Christopher Nolan began writing "The Odyssey," marking the initial phase of development for the film adaptation of Homer's epic poem.