‘Oppenheimer’ exclusive: Christopher Nolan dives into atomic history
Director Christopher Nolan gives a sneak peek at “Oppenheimer” and his A-list cast discusses its deep dive into atomic history in an exclusive video.
USA TODAY
Christopher Nolan’s next blockbuster is in the works.
The acclaimed and award-winning filmmaker is working on an adaption of Homer’s epic poem “Odyssey” though it is not yet known how he plans to adapt the classic piece of literature.
Universal Pictures, in a December 2024 post on X, meanwhile described the film as “a mythic action epic shot across the world using brand new IMAX film technology,” which will bring “Homer’s foundational saga to IMAX film screens for the first time.”
Nolan is writing and producing the film with longtime and life partner Emma Thomas, who won the Best Picture Oscar for “Oppenheimer” alongside Nolan. Thomas has served as producer on Nolan’s movies going back to “Following.” She and Nolan have been married since 1997, and they share four children.
Here’s what we know so far about the film including release date and cast.
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‘The Odyssey’ release date
“The Odyssey” is scheduled to hit theatres on July 17, 2026, according to Universal Pictures.
‘The Odyssey’ cast: Matt Damon tapped for role
As with most Nolan projects, cast details of the “The Odyssey” have been strictly guarded, with only Matt Damon officially announced to play Odysseus, king of Ithaca, in the film. The film would be Damon’s third collaboration with Nolan after “Oppenheimer” and “Interstellar.”
Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Zendaya, Lupita Nyong’o, Charlize Theron, Mia Goth, John Leguizamo, Rafi Gavron and Shiloh Fernandez are also expected to be a part of the cast, according to reports in Variety and Deadline, though it is not yet known which characters these actors will be playing.
Holland, in an October 2024 appearance on “Good Morning America” had confirmed his casting on the film though he stayed away from divulging further details.
“All I can say is that I’m incredibly excited,” Holland had said on the show. “And, obviously honored, but that’s all I can say because, to be honest, that’s all I know.”
‘The Odyssey’ production
Filming for the “The Odyssey” is reportedly underway in Morocco and leaked pictures of Holland and Nolan from the sets of the movie have been circulating on social media.
“The Odyssey” is expected to be filmed “across the world,” as per Universal. Locations include the island of Favignana off the western coast of Sicily, Italy, United Kingdom and Morrocco, according to Variety.
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What is Homer’s ‘Odyssey’ about?
“The Odyssey” is a 24-book epic by Homer that tells the arduous 10-year journey story of Greek hero Odysseus, king of Ithaca, as he travels home after the Trojan War, according to Britannica. Odysseus journey is long and harsh and full of challenges and encounters with the gods, polyphemuses, a type of one-eyed giant in Greek mythology; the Sirens, a half bird and half woman type creature who lured sailors to destruction; and the witch-goddess Circe. Odysseus’ journey culminates in a reunion with his wife Penelope and son Telemachus, who battle aggressive suitors looking to grab the throne while he is away.
Historians and scholars date “The Odyssey” to the 8th century sometime between 725–675 BC. According to Britannica, the poem was “intended for oral performance” and the first printed Greek version was produced in 1488 in Florence.
Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at [email protected] and follow her on X and Instagram @saman_shafiq7.
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