Watch the Director's This Epic Preview the Way It Wasn't Meant for Viewing.
The acclaimed filmmaker's legendary action saga, The Odyssey, is a film we've been eagerly awaiting since its announcement. It firmly sits as one of the most awaited films of 2026. As a pre-Christmas treat, a preview has now been released, though it's hampered due to the platform's low-quality encoding—perhaps explaining the director's choice to restrict the trailer solely for theatrical audiences.
The Initial Look of the Stellar Ensemble
This first look reveals Matt Damon in the role of the king of Ithaca. We also see Tom Holland playing the son and Anne Hathaway depicting the loyal wife. In a poignant moment, Penelope asks her husband to vow his safe homecoming, to which he look up and question what occurs should he fail. Furthermore, the preview provides a quick, obscured look of the mythical one-eyed giant, from whom sheep are Odysseus and his crew steal on their treacherous voyage.
Adapted from a cornerstone of Western literature, The Odyssey follows the epic journey undertaken by the famed ruler. After his triumph in the Trojan War, as told within the companion epic, the king faces an extended and hazardous road home.
Legendary Obstacles and a Star-Studded Lineup
On his travels, the hero encounters numerous obstacles and legendary creatures. This roster features the enchantress Circe, known for turning humans into pigs, and the deceptive Sirens. Despite these trials, Odysseus vows to overcome anything to get back to his wife and son in Ithaca.
The adaptation's cast is remarkably star-studded. Alongside the leading trio are Charlize Theron portraying the shrewd goddess, alongside Zendaya, Lupita Nyong'o, Robert Pattinson, Elliot Page, and Jon Bernthal.
A Story Repeatedly Told
Homer's epic has inspired many reinterpretations throughout history. Examples include contemporary versions to a 1999 ballet. It has even been a stage musical adaptation called Epic: The Musical, released in the form of a nine-album collection.
A full-length preview has been highly anticipated since the film's announcement and a brief teaser that previously played only on the big screen. That teaser later made its way online shortly thereafter.
To see a clearer version, the preview available via the movie's verified account may provide a better, clearer look.
The Odyssey will debut on global IMAX screens next summer.
