In late 2025, the film world is buzzing with talk of Homer’s ancient epic. We are currently in a unique “double-feature” era for Greek mythology: while Christopher Nolan is currently dominating the headlines with his massive 2026 blockbuster, the more intimate and gritty The Return has just finished its theatrical run and is now the talk of streaming services.
Whether you’re looking for the high-speed IMAX spectacle or the grounded human drama, here is everything we know about the cinematic rebirth of The Odyssey.
The Big Blockbuster: Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey
The most anticipated movie of 2026 is officially Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey. Following his Oscar sweep for Oppenheimer, Nolan is returning to the “Event Cinema” format with a $250 million adaptation of Homer’s poem.
- Release Date: July 17, 2026 (Confirmed for US and UK).
- The Cast (The “A-List” Ensemble):
- Matt Damon as Odysseus
- Zendaya as Penelope
- Tom Holland as Telemachus
- Anne Hathaway as Circe
- Robert Pattinson and Charlize Theron in key supporting roles.
- The Trailer: The first teaser was released on December 22, 2025, showcasing Nolan’s signature 70mm IMAX cinematography and a focus on practical effects rather than CGI.
Shooting Locations
Nolan has travelled the globe to capture the “primal” feel of the ancient Mediterranean:
- Favignana, Sicily: Specifically chosen because scholars believe it matches the “Goat Island” described in the poem.
- Peloponnese, Greece: Filming took place at the Castle of Methoni and Nestor’s Cave (Voidokilia Beach) for the iconic Cyclops sequence.
- Scotland: Scenes were filmed at Findlater Castle in Moray to depict the rugged, wild coasts of the journey.
- Iceland: Used to represent the dark, otherworldly Greek Underworld (Hades).
3. The Gritty Alternative: The Return (2024/2025)
If you can’t wait until 2026, The Return is currently available on VOD and streaming. Directed by Uberto Pasolini, this film offers a “Taken-style” grounded take on the story’s finale.
- The Stars: Reunites The English Patient legends Ralph Fiennes (Odysseus) and Juliette Binoche (Penelope).
- The Plot: It skips the monsters and focuses on the psychological trauma of a veteran returning to find his wife a prisoner and his son facing death at the hands of suitors.
- Availability: Released in UK cinemas in April 2025 and currently streaming on Paramount+ and Amazon Video.
BGCP Suggested Purchases 👇
The Director’s Masterpiece: 👉 [Oppenheimer (4K Ultra HD)]
- Why: To see the technical foundation Nolan is using for his upcoming Odyssey.
The Gritty Prequel: 👉 [The Return (Blu-ray) starring Ralph Fiennes]
- Why: The perfect companion piece to watch before the blockbuster arrives.
The Source Material: 👉 [The Odyssey: Emily Wilson Translation]
- Why: This acclaimed 2018 translation is rumored to be a major influence on the modern “human” tone of these new films.
Epic Inspiration: 👉 [Gladiator [Titans of Cult – Supreme Edition] [4K Ultra HD]]
- Why: Universal has explicitly compared Nolan’s The Odyssey to the scale of these classic historical epic.
