Universal Pictures has unveiled a new trailer of Christopher Nolan's much-anticipated "The Odyssey" and calling it 'stunning' would simply be an understatement.
The new footage, which runs for a little over two minutes, introduces never-before-seen images which suggest a story operating on an expansive epic scale, where individual figures are consistently framed against forces far larger than themselves. We see vast coastlines, monumental architecture, catastrophic fire, supernatural oceanic phenomena, and overwhelming military presences.
The visual scope runs the gamut from intimate moments of solitary tension to sweeping scenes of environmental and societal upheaval, creating the impression of a narrative that spans personal conflict, political struggle, and earth-shattering events.
The contrast between small, vulnerable characters and immense landscapes or destructive spectacles gives the imagery a mythic, almost civilisational weight, implying a story concerned with not just individual destinies but with the fate of entire kingdoms, cultures or worlds.
Recently, when Nolan presented new footage from "The Odyssey" at CinemaCon for exhibitors, he called the filming experience a "nightmare" but also immensely satisfying. “This has been an absolute nightmare to film — but in all the right ways. We had an amazing time,” he had said, while adding that lead actor Matt Damon rose ot the challenge.
“He was there on the boats, up the mountains, in the caves, in the beating sunshine, sideways rain, wind. You’ll be pleased to know how difficult it was. It was meant to be; that’s the nature of this story,” the Oscar-winning filmmaker added.
Also featuring Anne Hathaway, Tom Holland, Charlize Theron, Zendaya, Lupita Nyong’o, Robert Pattinson, Jon Bernthal, Benny Safdie, John Leguizamo and Himesh Patel, “The Odyssey” was shot in multiple locations — Morocco, Greece, Italy, Iceland and Scotland. It's the first movie ever to be shot fully with IMAX cameras.
It goes without saying that watching "The Odyssey" on anything less than a huge theatre screen would be a missed opportunity. The film should look as jaw-droppingly gorgeous on a Cinemascope/Anamorphic aspect ratio (2.39:1) screen as on any of the Flat/True IMAX/Full Container aspect ratios (1.85:1, 1.43:1, 1.90:1).
"The Odyssey" is set for release on July 17, 2026.
