Christopher Nolan is poised to make cinema history once again with his ambitious adaptation of "The Odyssey," a project that has already garnered significant attention. The film, which began production in February 2025, is a reimagining of the classic Greek epic by Homer, chronicling the arduous journey of hero Odysseus as he struggles to return home after the Trojan War. Stunt performer James Newman, who has been involved in the production, described the film as "an epic of all epics" and praised Nolan for being "at his best" in this endeavor.
Announced in December 2024, "The Odyssey" marks Nolan's 13th feature film, and it boasts a star-studded ensemble cast that includes Matt Damon as Odysseus, alongside Anne Hathaway, Robert Pattinson, Elliot Page, Benny Safdie, Tom Holland, Zendaya, Lupita Nyong'o, Charlize Theron, Mia Goth, Jon Bernthal, and John Leguizamo. The film's ambitious production has seen it leave Europe, where it filmed in breathtaking, untouched locations, and move to Los Angeles for soundstage shooting on the Universal lot.
Newman shared insights about the grand scale of the film during a recent episode of the "Action for Everyone" podcast, which has since been deleted. He emphasized that Nolan is committed to exploring locations that have never been filmed before, stating, "They’re never going to make a movie like this again. I think it’s going to be an epic of all epics. It’s going to be Nolan at his best. No holds barred." Newman highlighted the challenges of filming in such unique locations, saying, "The coordinator came to us with scout pictures of locations, and it’s just all over Europe because Odysseus’ journey is crazy, it’s like 10 years long."
One particularly notable location is a castle that Newman believes represents Odysseus’ home. He described it as being a two-kilometer hike up a steep incline, illustrating the lengths to which the production team has gone to ensure authenticity and grandeur in their storytelling. "He wants to be the first person there to do it, he wants to feel like no one has ever touched ground here," Newman remarked, referring to Nolan's vision for the film.
As for the action sequences, Newman hinted at the intensity of the battle scenes, which he described as "bloody" and filled with daring stunts. He even had the opportunity to train lead actors Matt Damon and Tom Holland for their roles. "All the rumors about Tom being physically able are so true. He can literally do anything. He should get every physical role possible," Newman noted, praising Holland's athleticism. He added that Damon's portrayal of Odysseus would reflect the character's experience and intelligence in battle, saying, "Matt definitely wanted to be more efficient because that’s the character. Odysseus is really the only war scene character along that journey."
Leguizamo, another member of the cast, commented on Nolan's unique approach to filmmaking, stating during an appearance on MSNBC’s "Morning Joe" that despite the film's considerable budget, Nolan operates with an independent filmmaker's mentality. "He’s got a crazy budget, it’s not small, but he runs [it] like an indie film because he’s not doing it by committee, he’s not doing it by what the studio says," Leguizamo explained. This approach allows Nolan to maintain creative control over his projects, a hallmark of his filmmaking style.
With a budget estimated at around $250 million, "The Odyssey" is not only one of the most ambitious projects of Nolan's career but also one of the most anticipated films in recent memory. The film is set to utilize state-of-the-art IMAX cameras, with cinematography handled by Nolan's frequent collaborator, Hoyte Van Hoytema. Given the complexity and scale of the story, it is expected that the film will exceed three hours in length, further emphasizing its epic nature.
Nolan's adaptation of "The Odyssey" has been described as one of the biggest risks of his career, with many considering the source material to be "unfilmable" for the big screen. Yet, with Nolan's track record of success and innovation, expectations are high. The film is set to hit theaters on July 17, 2026, and as anticipation builds, fans and critics alike are eager to see how Nolan brings this timeless tale to life.
As production continues, the excitement surrounding "The Odyssey" only grows, with its blend of star power, cutting-edge technology, and a visionary director at the helm promising a cinematic experience unlike any other. Whether it lives up to the lofty expectations set by its creator and the legacy of its source material remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Christopher Nolan is ready to take audiences on an unforgettable journey.
