🔗 Share this article See the Director's The Odyssey Preview the Way It Wasn't Meant for Viewing. The acclaimed filmmaker's mythic action epic, The Odyssey, is a film audiences have been anticipating since its announcement. It easily ranks among the most hotly anticipated motion pictures coming next year. In a festive surprise, a preview has now been released, though it's hampered by YouTube's poor compression—perhaps explaining the director's choice to restrict the trailer solely for theatrical audiences. The Initial Look of the Stellar Ensemble The debut footage showcases Matt Damon portraying Odysseus. Audiences are introduced to Tom Holland as Telemachus alongside Anne Hathaway depicting the loyal wife. During an emotional scene, Penelope asks her husband to vow his safe homecoming, only for him to respond by asking what occurs should he fail. The trailer also offers a quick, obscured look at Polyphemus the Cyclops, whose flock Odysseus and his crew steal during their arduous journey. Based upon a foundational pillar in classic storytelling, The Odyssey chronicles 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 return to his homeland. Legendary Obstacles and a Star-Studded Lineup Along his path, the hero encounters numerous obstacles and legendary creatures. These include the enchantress Circe, known for turning humans into pigs, and the deceptive Sirens. Regardless of these ordeals, his sworn oath is to overcome anything to reunite with Penelope and Telemachus in Ithaca. The adaptation's cast boasts an impressive lineup. Joining Damon, Holland, and Hathaway is Charlize Theron as the cunning Circe, together with Zendaya, Lupita Nyong'o, Robert Pattinson, Elliot Page, and Jon Bernthal. A Tale of Many Adaptations The classic poem has inspired many reinterpretations over the years. Examples include contemporary versions and a late-90s dance production. It has even been a stage musical adaptation titled Epic: The Musical, released in the form of a multi-part album series. A full-length preview was long awaited since the film's announcement and a brief teaser which was initially shown only on the big screen. That teaser subsequently found its way online shortly thereafter. To see a clearer version, the trailer posted on the movie's verified account might deliver a better, clearer look. The Odyssey is scheduled for release on global IMAX screens on July 17, 2026.