Matt Damon will be playing the lead role of Odysseus in Christopher Nolan‘s forthcoming movie version of Homer’s The Odyssey. Nolan will direct the movie based on the Homer epic poem, written nearly 3,000 years ago.

Nolan also wrote the script for The Odyssey, which was described by Universal Pictures as “a mythic action epic shot across the world using brand new IMAX film technology.” Damon is joined in the film by Tom Holland, Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong’o, Anne Hathaway, Charlize Theron, Benny Safdie, Jon Bernthal, Elliot Page, Himesh Patel, Bill Irwin, Samantha Morton and Mia Goth.

Variety reports that parts of the movie will film in Italy, with Universal sharing a first-look photo of Damon in character with the caption: ‘Matt Damon is Odysseus. A film by Christopher Nolan, #TheOdysseyMovie is in theaters July 17, 2026.’

Homer’s epic poem tells of King Odysseus’ perilous 10-year journey home to Ithaca after the Trojan War. As Odysseus makes his way back, he’s forced to contend with interruptions from the gods and other mythical creatures. Meanwhile, his wife and son have to contend with suitors seeking to replace him.

Nolan’s The Odyssey is set to hit theaters on July 17, 2026. Production is expected to begin later this month.

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