Watch the Director's This Epic Preview in a Manner It Wasn't Meant for Viewing.
The acclaimed filmmaker's legendary action saga, The Odyssey, is a film 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 due to the platform's low-quality encoding—maybe illustrating the director's choice to restrict the trailer solely for theatrical audiences.
A First Glimpse of the Stellar Ensemble
This first look reveals Matt Damon portraying the king of Ithaca. Audiences are introduced to Tom Holland playing the son and Anne Hathaway as Penelope. During an emotional scene, Penelope asks her husband to vow his safe homecoming, to which he respond by asking what happens if he cannot. The trailer also offers a brief, shadowy glimpse at Polyphemus the Cyclops, whose flock are taken by the hero and his men on their treacherous voyage.
Based upon a cornerstone of Western literature, The Odyssey chronicles the epic journey undertaken by the famed ruler. Following his victory at Troy, as told in Homer's Iliad, the king faces an extended and hazardous road home.
Legendary Obstacles with an All-Star Cast
On his travels, Odysseus confronts numerous obstacles and legendary creatures. These include the witch-goddess Circe, who transforms men into swine, and the deceptive Sirens. Regardless of these ordeals, his sworn oath is to overcome anything to reunite with Penelope and Telemachus on his home island.
The adaptation's cast boasts an impressive lineup. Joining Damon, Holland, and Hathaway are Charlize Theron portraying the shrewd goddess, alongside Zendaya, Lupita Nyong'o, Robert Pattinson, Elliot Page, and Jon Bernthal.
A Story Repeatedly Told
Homer's epic has seen numerous adaptations throughout history. These range from modern retellings and a late-90s dance production. It has even been adapted into a musical titled Epic: The Musical, released in the form of a nine-album collection.
A full-length preview was long awaited since the film's announcement and a brief teaser that previously played only on the big screen. That footage subsequently found its way onto the internet shortly thereafter.
To see a clearer version, the preview available via the film's official social channel may provide a better, clearer look.
The Odyssey will debut on global IMAX screens next summer.
