Watch the Director's The Odyssey Preview in a Manner It Was Never Intended to Be Seen.
The acclaimed filmmaker's mythic action epic, The Odyssey, is a film we've been eagerly awaiting ever since it was revealed. 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.
The Initial Look at the Legendary Cast
This first look reveals Matt Damon in the role of Odysseus. Audiences are introduced to Tom Holland playing the son and Anne Hathaway depicting the loyal wife. In a poignant moment, the character pleads with her husband to vow his safe homecoming, to which he respond by asking what happens if he cannot. The trailer also offers a quick, obscured look of the mythical one-eyed giant, whose flock are taken by the hero and his men during their arduous journey.
Adapted from a foundational pillar of Western literature, The Odyssey follows the lengthy quest undertaken by the famed ruler. Following his victory in the Trojan War, which is depicted in Homer's Iliad, the king faces an extended and hazardous road home.
Legendary Obstacles and a Star-Studded Lineup
On his travels, the hero encounters countless challenges and legendary creatures. This roster features the enchantress Circe, known for turning humans into pigs, and the deceptive Sirens. Despite these trials, Odysseus vows to overcome anything to get back to Penelope and Telemachus in Ithaca.
The adaptation's cast is remarkably star-studded. Joining Damon, Holland, and Hathaway is Charlize Theron as the cunning Circe, alongside Zendaya, Lupita Nyong'o, Robert Pattinson, Elliot Page, and Jon Bernthal.
A Story Repeatedly Told
The classic poem has seen many reinterpretations throughout history. These range from contemporary versions to a 1999 ballet. It has even been a stage musical adaptation called Epic: The Musical, presented as a multi-part album series.
A full-length preview has been highly anticipated following the project's reveal and a brief teaser which was initially shown exclusively in theaters. That footage later made its way online soon after.
To see a clearer version, the preview available via the movie's verified account might deliver a better, clearer look.
The Odyssey will debut in IMAX theaters worldwide on July 17, 2026.