View the Director's This Epic Preview the Way It Was Never Intended to Be Seen.
The acclaimed filmmaker's legendary action saga, The Odyssey, stands as a movie audiences have been anticipating since its announcement. It firmly sits among the most hotly anticipated films of 2026. As a pre-Christmas treat, a preview has now been released, though it's hampered by YouTube's poor compression—perhaps explaining the director's choice to restrict the preview exclusive to cinemas.
A First Glimpse of the Stellar Ensemble
The debut footage showcases Matt Damon portraying the king of Ithaca. We also see Tom Holland as Telemachus and Anne Hathaway as Penelope. In a poignant moment, the character pleads with her husband to vow his safe homecoming, only for him to look up and question what happens if he cannot. The trailer also offers a brief, shadowy glimpse of the mythical one-eyed giant, whose flock Odysseus and his crew steal during their arduous journey.
Adapted from a cornerstone of Western literature, The Odyssey chronicles the lengthy quest undertaken by the famed ruler. After his triumph in the Trojan War, as told within the companion epic, Odysseus endures an extended and hazardous return to his homeland.
Legendary Obstacles with an All-Star Cast
On his travels, Odysseus confronts numerous obstacles and mythical beings. This roster features the witch-goddess Circe, who transforms men into swine, and the deceptive Sirens. Regardless of these ordeals, Odysseus vows to do whatever it takes to get back to his wife and son in Ithaca.
The adaptation's cast is remarkably star-studded. Joining Damon, Holland, and Hathaway are Charlize Theron portraying the shrewd goddess, together with Zendaya, Lupita Nyong'o, Robert Pattinson, Elliot Page, and Jon Bernthal.
A Tale of Many Adaptations
Homer's epic has seen numerous adaptations over the years. Examples include modern retellings to a 1999 ballet. There has even been a stage musical adaptation called Epic: The Musical, presented as a nine-album collection.
A full-length preview was long awaited following the project's reveal and a brief teaser that previously played only on the big screen. That footage later made its way onto the internet soon after.
To see a clearer version, the preview available via the movie's verified account may provide a better, clearer look.
The Odyssey will debut in IMAX theaters worldwide on July 17, 2026.
