Christopher Nolan’s ambitious adaptation of Homer’s legendary poem has finally revealed its first official images, confirming several key casting roles for the highly anticipated summer 2026 blockbuster. The exclusive photographs showcase Anne Hathaway, Tom Holland, and Mia Goth in their respective characters, building excitement for what promises to be cinema’s most spectacular mythological journey.
Character Revelations: Who’s Playing Whom?
Anne Hathaway portrays Penelope, the loyal queen of Ithaca and devoted wife of Odysseus (Matt Damon), who anxiously awaits her husband’s return after years of uncertainty. This marks Hathaway’s third collaboration with Nolan, following memorable performances in The Dark Knight Rises and Interstellar.
Tom Holland takes on Telemachus, the courageous son of Odysseus and Penelope. According to Homer’s original epic, Telemachus occupies a central narrative position, with the first four books chronicling his personal quest to locate his missing father. Production photographs captured Holland filming maritime sequences, suggesting audiences will witness Telemachus’s voyage to Pylos unfold cinematically.
In a surprising casting revelation, Mia Goth portrays Melantho, one of Penelope’s palace maids whose allegiances remain questionable. Initial speculation suggested Goth might play the enchantress Circe or nymph Calypso, making this smaller yet intriguing role an unexpected choice for the acclaimed actress.
Groundbreaking IMAX Innovation
The Odyssey represents historic filmmaking achievement as the first feature captured entirely using IMAX cameras. Director Nolan and cinematographer Hoyte van Hoytema developed revolutionary technology specifically for this production, shooting over two million feet of film throughout various global locations. Nolan describes protagonist Odysseus as a “complicated man,” emphasizing the character’s tactical brilliance and strategic cunning beyond mere warrior capabilities.
Matt Damon enthusiastically calls the experience “the best of my career,” promising audiences precisely what summer blockbusters should deliver. The star-studded ensemble also features Robert Pattinson, Zendaya, Charlize Theron, Lupita Nyong’o, Jon Bernthal, and numerous other acclaimed performers.
Universal Pictures will release The Odyssey exclusively in theaters and IMAX on July 17, 2026, positioning it as next summer’s must-see cinematic event.
