Christopher Nolan, fresh off the Oscar-winning success of Oppenheimer, is diving into uncharted territory with his next project, The Odyssey, set to hit theaters on July 17, 2026. This adaptation of Homer’s ancient Greek epic poem promises to be a mythic action spectacle, filmed with cutting-edge IMAX technology. With a star-studded cast and a $250 million budget—Nolan’s priciest yet—here’s everything we know about The Odyssey, plus a look back at Nolan’s filmography, complete with box office totals and Rotten Tomatoes scores.
What Is The Odyssey About?
The Odyssey follows Odysseus, the king of Ithaca, on his perilous 10-year journey home after the Trojan War. Expect encounters with mythical figures like the Cyclops Polyphemus, the Sirens, and the witch-goddess Circe, alongside his reunion with his wife, Penelope. Universal calls it a “mythic action epic” shot across Morocco, Italy, Greece, and the UK, with a modern twist that’s “propulsive” and “out of this world,” per CinemaCon remarks from distribution chief Jim Orr. Nolan’s knack for blending spectacle with human drama suggests a visually stunning take on this foundational tale.
Cast and Crew
Matt Damon leads as Odysseus, joined by Tom Holland, Zendaya, Anne Hathaway, Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong’o, Charlize Theron, and Jon Bernthal, among others like Benny Safdie, Elliot Page, and John Leguizamo. Nolan writes, directs, and produces with Emma Thomas via Syncopy, collaborating again with Universal after Oppenheimer. Cinematographer Hoyte van Hoytema and composer Ludwig Göransson return, with Göransson eyeing his third Nolan score. A 6×6 mechanical puppet for the Cyclops, designed by Ellen Mirojnick, hints at Nolan’s practical effects obsession.
Production and Release Details
Filming began February 25, 2025, in Aït Benhaddou, Morocco, hitting Greece’s Methoni Castle and Voidokilia Beach for Cyclops scenes. With a $250 million budget, it’s Nolan’s most expensive film, using new IMAX tech, as revealed by IMAX CEO Richard Gelfond. Universal touts it as a “once-in-a-generation masterpiece” that “Homer himself would be proud of,” per Orr at CinemaCon. Set for July 17, 2026, it faces competition but aims to dominate IMAX screens.
Why It’s a Big Deal
Nolan’s tackling fantasy for the first time, a departure from his sci-fi and historical epics. John Leguizamo told MSNBC’s Morning Joe it feels like an “indie film” despite the budget, as Nolan defies studio norms. Coming off Oppenheimer’s $975 million haul and seven Oscars, expectations are sky-high. Could it top The Dark Knight Rises’s $1.08 billion record? The star power and IMAX draw make it a strong contender.
Christopher Nolan’s Past Films: Box Office and Rotten Tomatoes
Nolan’s 12 films have grossed over $6 billion worldwide, blending critical acclaim with commercial might. Below is a breakdown of his filmography, with global box office figures (via Box Office Mojo) and Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer scores (as of April 15, 2025).
- Following (1998): Budget: $6,000. Box Office: $240,495. Rotten Tomatoes: 81%. A neo-noir thriller shot on weekends, it’s Nolan’s lean debut with nonlinear storytelling.
- Memento (2000): Budget: $9M. Box Office: $39.7M. Rotten Tomatoes: 93%. This reverse-chronicle tale of amnesia put Nolan on the map, earning an Oscar nod.
- Insomnia (2002): Budget: $46M. Box Office: $113.7M. Rotten Tomatoes: 92%. A taut thriller with Al Pacino and Robin Williams, it’s Nolan’s only non-original script.
- Batman Begins (2005): Budget: $150M. Box Office: $373.7M. Rotten Tomatoes: 84%. Revived Batman with grit, launching a game-changing trilogy.
- The Prestige (2006): Budget: $40M. Box Office: $109.7M. Rotten Tomatoes: 76%. A twisty magician duel with Hugh Jackman and Christian Bale, often underrated.
- The Dark Knight (2008): Budget: $185M. Box Office: $1.01B. Rotten Tomatoes: 94%. Heath Ledger’s Joker redefined superhero films, crossing $1 billion.
- Inception (2010): Budget: $160M. Box Office: $839.7M. Rotten Tomatoes: 87%. A dream-heist epic with Leonardo DiCaprio, it’s a cerebral blockbuster.
- The Dark Knight Rises (2012): Budget: $250M. Box Office: $1.08B. Rotten Tomatoes: 87%. Nolan’s trilogy capper, with Tom Hardy’s Bane, remains his top earner.
- Interstellar (2014): Budget: $165M. Box Office: $731.1M. Rotten Tomatoes: 72%. A sci-fi odyssey with Matthew McConaughey, lauded for visuals over plot.
- Dunkirk (2017): Budget: $100M. Box Office: $543.7M. Rotten Tomatoes: 92%. A tense WWII drama, earning Nolan his first Best Director Oscar nod.
- Tenet (2020): Budget: $200M. Box Office: $365.3M. Rotten Tomatoes: 69%. A time-bending thriller hit by pandemic woes, it’s his lowest-rated film.
- Oppenheimer (2023): Budget: $100M. Box Office: $975.3M. Rotten Tomatoes: 93%. A biopic juggernaut, sweeping Oscars and nearing $1 billion.
Looking Ahead
The Odyssey could be Nolan’s boldest swing yet, merging his love for scale with untapped fantasy. With Damon, Holland, and Zendaya leading a sprawling cast, and new IMAX tech pushing boundaries, it’s poised to challenge his box office records. Whether it matches The Dark Knight’s critical love (94%) or Rises’s earnings ($1.08B), Nolan’s track record suggests a must-see event. Mark July 17, 2026, on your calendar.
What’s your take on Nolan’s The Odyssey? Excited for the cast or curious about the IMAX tech? Share below!
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