Christopher Nolan’s ‘The Odyssey’ Features All-Star Cast in IMAX 70mm Adaptation
14 verified6 unconfirmed1 contested
Christopher Nolan's adaptation of Homer's epic poem "The Odyssey" has arrived in theaters, starring Matt Damon as the Greek king Odysseus. The film assembles a large ensemble cast including Anne Hathaway as Penelope, Tom Holland as Telemachus, and Zendaya as the goddess Athena. Nolan used IMAX 70mm film cameras for the entire production, a first for a feature film. The story follows Odysseus' decade-long journey home after the Trojan War, encountering mythical creatures and gods along the way. Several sources report that the film sparked pre-release discussion over some casting choices, which Nolan dismissed as irrelevant. Audience and critical reception appears to vary sharply depending on the source.
What’s verified
Christopher Nolan directed the film adaptation of Homer's "The Odyssey"
Matt Damon portrays the Greek hero Odysseus
Anne Hathaway plays Penelope, Odysseus' wife
Tom Holland plays Telemachus, Odysseus' son
Zendaya plays Athena, the goddess of wisdom and warfare
Robert Pattinson plays Antinous, the lead suitor
John Leguizamo plays the swineherd Eumaeus
Charlize Theron plays the sea nymph Calypso
Samantha Morton plays the sorceress Circe
Lupita Nyong'o plays both Helen of Troy and Clytemnestra
Jon Bernthal plays King Menelaus of Sparta
Benny Safdie plays King Agamemnon of Mycenae
Elliot Page plays the Greek soldier Sinon
The film was shot entirely with IMAX 70mm film cameras
Where accounts differ
One source describes the film as a disappointment relative to expectations, criticizing miscast roles and dialogue. Another source states the film is the best-reviewed movie of the year so far. No factual contradictions identified across sources.
Not yet confirmed
The film's exact runtime (one source says nearly three hours)
The narrative structure using a bard (played by Travis Scott) and Odysseus reflecting on events
Specific preparation details for Damon's role, including a six-month diet
Whether Samantha Morton's performance received a standing ovation from the crew
The meaning and role of the "sea peoples" referenced but never shown in the film
The extent and nature of online culture wars over casting of Nyong'o and Page
Key figures
Christopher Nolan (director), Matt Damon (Odysseus), Anne Hathaway (Penelope), Tom Holland (Telemachus), Zendaya (Athena), Robert Pattinson (Antinous), John Leguizamo (Eumaeus), Charlize Theron (Calypso), Samantha Morton (Circe), Lupita Nyong'o (Helen of Troy/Clytemnestra), Jon Bernthal (Menelaus), Benny Safdie (Agamemnon), Elliot Page (Sinon)
Sources: marginalrevolution.com, Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, indiewire.com
