The Odyssey dazzles at world premiere in London as critics hail Nolan's 'triumphant' epic

Anne Hathaway, Zendaya, Tom Holland and Matt Damon stepped onto the red carpet under the London lights on Monday, as Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey held its world premiere – and the very first reviews have already branded it 'breathtaking, bold and flawless filmmaking', according to early viewers. The film, an adaptation of Homer’s Ancient Greek epic poem, is one of the most anticipated releases of 2026, with a budget rumoured to be $250,000,000 (£187,000,000). It follows Odysseus – played by Damon – as he journeys home from the Trojan War. Critics who attended the global premiere in London were effusive, describing Nolan’s take as 'triumphant' and heaping praise on its star‑studded cast. The reception sets the stage for what could be one of the summer’s biggest blockbusters, as the director reunites with a slate of A‑list actors for a mythological spectacle that has been years in the making.