Tom Holland, the British actor best known as Spider-Man, says his role in Christopher Nolan's new film The Odyssey marks "a new chapter of my life" – a "real pinch-me moment" playing Telemachus, the son of the ancient Greek hero Odysseus. The film, based on Homer's epic poem, had its world premiere in London's Leicester Square in July 2026, with a star-studded cast including Matt Damon as Odysseus, Anne Hathaway as Penelope, and Zendaya as the goddess Athena. But what exactly is this movie, and why does it matter for UK audiences?
The Odyssey is an epic fantasy film directed by Christopher Nolan, the British filmmaker behind Inception, The Dark Knight, and Oppenheimer. It adapts Homer's ancient Greek poem, which follows Odysseus, king of Ithaca, on his ten-year journey home after the Trojan War. Along the way he encounters mythical creatures and gods, while his wife Penelope and son Telemachus fend off suitors back home. In Nolan's version, Matt Damon plays Odysseus, Anne Hathaway is Penelope, and Tom Holland plays their son Telemachus – a young man in his early twenties who has grown up without his father and must protect his mother from the predatory suitors. Zendaya, Holland's real-life wife, appears as the goddess Athena, though the couple never share a scene. Holland says he read the script with Zendaya before meeting Nolan, who then asked if she would play the role – a moment the actor describes as "very special."
“An explainer on Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey film, its all-star cast, and why it matters.”
The story of The Odyssey is one of the most enduring in Western literature, first composed orally around the 8th century BC and attributed to Homer. It is a sequel to The Iliad, which recounts the Trojan War. The poem has been adapted countless times, from films to novels, but this is the first major cinematic version by a director of Nolan's stature. Nolan is known for ambitious, visually spectacular films that often play with time and narrative structure – think Memento, Interstellar, and Tenet. His decision to tackle The Odyssey suggests he will bring his trademark blend of grand scale and intellectual depth to the ancient tale. The cast also includes Lupita Nyong'o and other stars, with Nolan reportedly using some of the most advanced filmmaking technology to bring the mythological world to life.
For UK readers, this film matters because Christopher Nolan is one of Britain's most celebrated directors, and the production features a strong British cast – Tom Holland and Anne Hathaway (who is American but has strong UK ties) alongside many UK-based actors. The world premiere in London underlines the film's cultural significance. Moreover, the story of The Odyssey is a staple of British education, often studied in schools, so the film brings a familiar text to new audiences. Nolan's films are also major box office events, and The Odyssey is expected to be one of the biggest releases of the year, with implications for the UK film industry and cinema attendance.
Q: When is The Odyssey released? The film had its UK premiere on 6 July 2026, with a wide release expected shortly after. Exact theatrical release dates were not specified in the sources, but typically Nolan films open globally in mid-July.
Q: Who is in the cast of The Odyssey? Matt Damon plays Odysseus, Anne Hathaway plays Penelope, Tom Holland plays Telemachus, and Zendaya plays the goddess Athena. Lupita Nyong'o also stars, along with other cast members not listed in the sources.
Q: Is The Odyssey based on a true story? No, it is based on an ancient Greek epic poem by Homer, which is a mythological work. The poem mixes history, legend, and fantasy, and while it may reflect some real Bronze Age events, it is not considered historically factual.
What happens next? The film is now in its premiere phase. Early reviews and audience reactions will shape its box office performance. With Nolan's track record, it is likely to be a major awards contender. UK audiences can catch it in cinemas from July 2026.
