Christopher Nolan taking on one of the most enduring works of Greek epic poetry is, by any measure, a major cinematic event. That makes a little preparation worthwhile before heading into “The Odyssey.” Looper’s video above breaks down what viewers need to know, offering a detailed guide to the key details surrounding Nolan’s newest — and potentially most ambitious — undertaking.
The Oscar-winning filmmaker has built a reputation for bold, imaginative storytelling, though many of his more heightened projects — including The Dark Knight trilogy, “Interstellar,” and “Tenet” — have been rooted in advanced technology or speculative futures. With “The Odyssey,” Nolan is shifting into the realm of the grand historical epic, fitting for the saga of Odysseus (Matt Damon) and his long, punishing journey home after the Trojan War.
A film steeped in Greek mythology marks a striking turn for Nolan, whose previous movie brought Hollywood’s long, unusual quest to make an “Oppenheimer” film to a triumphant conclusion. Based on the costume design and other early glimpses of “The Odyssey,” Nolan appears to be aiming for something mythic in scale and tone. Whether it eventually ranks among Christopher Nolan’s greatest films remains to be seen, but it already looks certain to be one of the most intriguing entries in his career.
The Odyssey may be fantasy, but Nolan’s putting every bit of his usual effort in it
Universal Pictures
Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey” was revealed in December 2024, after the awards-season triumph of “Oppenheimer.” The announcement quickly sparked questions about how Nolan would handle Homer’s towering classic. Would he fully embrace fantasy, delivering a visual and thematic style far removed from much of his earlier work? Or would he ground the story in realism, crafting something that feels like harsh historical drama — at least until the harpies and cyclopes enter the picture?
Judging by what has emerged since the first “Odyssey” trailer introduced Nolan’s sprawling new film, the answer may be both. The footage blends brutal combat and raw emotional stakes with the monsters and supernatural elements central to the original tale. It looks spectacular, though in a way that feels distinctly different from the spectacle of “Dunkirk” or “Inception.”
Plenty about “The Odyssey” remains under wraps ahead of its July 17 premiere, but Looper’s video above covers everything currently known about the film.
