See Matt Damon as Odysseus in Epic First Photo from Christopher Nolan'sThe OdysseyMovie

Mar. 15, 2025

Matt Damon as Odysseus in Christopher Nolan’sThe Odyssey(2026).Photo:Universal Pictures

Universal Pictures

Matt Damonstars in the first look at directorChristopher Nolan’sThe Odyssey.

On Monday, Feb. 17, Universal Pictures debutedthe first photofrom Nolan’s star-studded adaptation, based on Homer’s epis poem of the same name.

Dressed in armor and a cape and coordinating headpiece fit for a Greek hero, Damon, 54, strikes an intimidating, brooding side-profile pose in the snapshot.

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Matt Damon as Odysseus in Christopher Nolan’sThe Odyssey(2026).Universal Pictures

Universal Pictures confirmed the Oscar-winning director’s upcoming project onXin December 2024, writing, “Christopher Nolan’s next film ‘The Odyssey’ is a mythic action epic shot across the world using brand new IMAX film technology.”

Nolan’s adaptation will feature an A-list cast as they take on the Greek epic, includingTom Holland,Anne Hathaway,Zendaya,Robert Pattinson,Lupita Nyong’oandCharlize Theron.

While this first post-Oppenheimerproject for Nolan, 54, marks a new chapter in the story’s cinematic journey,The Odysseyhas been adapted for the screen several times.

Earlier versions include the 1997 miniseriesThe Odyssey, starring Armand Assante and Greta Scacchi, as well as the 1954 Italian filmUlysses, which starredKirk Douglas, Silvana Mangano andAnthony Quinn. More recently,Ralph FiennesandJuliette Binochetold the tale in 2024’sThe Return.

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Despite boasting several big-name stars in its cast,The Odysseywas a disappointment for other actors who were hoping to snag a role themselves, includingSkeet Ulrich.

During a panel at MegaCon in Orlando, Florida, earlier this month, theScreamactor revealed that the role he’d been pursuing “was down to me and two other dudes, and I found out last night it ain’t me.”

But he didn’t let it get him down for the long haul. As Ulrich, 55, told the audience of show business, “It’s almost a weekly experience of putting yourself out there for things and hoping and falling in love with material, and then having to move on.”

“There are big wins, so that makes it palatable, but it’s a lot of rejection,” he added.

The Odysseyis in theaters July 17, 2026.

source: people.com