Universal Exec Says ‘Homer Himself’ Would Be ‘Proud’ Of Christopher Nolan’s ‘Odyssey’ Adaptation

While not many details have been released about Christopher Nolan’s upcoming historical drama, “The Odyssey,” the studio behind it is making big promises.

Universal Studios’ distribution chief, Jim Orr, gave the film a rave review during an appearance at CinemaCon this week. He called Nolan’s adaptation of the classic tale “a visionary, once-in-a-generation cinematic masterpiece that Homer himself would quite likely be proud of.”

While he delivered the line with all seriousness, per Variety, it did cause some audience members to break out in laughter at the idea. 

Orr went on to mention how Nolan “assembled a staggering all-star cast,” including big-time Hollywood players such as Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Zendaya, Lupita Nyong’o, Robert Pattinson, and Charlize Theron. Other stars involved include John Leguizamo, Benny Safdie, Jon Bernthal, Mia Goth, Elliot Page, Samantha Morton, Benny Safdie, Cosmo Jarvis, and Ryan Hurst.

So far, it’s been revealed that Damon will take on the role of Odysseus, king of Ithaca. None of the other casting choices have been confirmed yet.

The film is described by Universal as a “mythic action epic shot across the world using brand new Imax film technology. The film brings Homer’s foundational saga to Imax film screens for the first time and opens in theaters everywhere on July 17, 2026,” per The Hollywood Reporter.

The Odyssey by Homer is an ancient Greek epic that follows Odysseus on a long and dangerous journey home after the Trojan War. The hero is forced to contend with mythical creatures, vengeful gods, and numerous trials as he struggles for ten years to return to his home, where his wife, Penelope, and son, Telemachus, are waiting for him. Odysseus ultimately reclaims his kingdom by proving his identity and defeating those who tried to steal his throne.

Nolan’s last project, “Oppenheimer,” took home seven Academy Awards in 2024, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor in a Leading Role, Best Actor in a Supporting Role, Cinematography, Film Editing, and Original Score. 

According to multiple reports, “The Odyssey” is rumored to be the most expensive film of Nolan’s career, with an estimated $250 million budget. John Leguizamo said during an interview with “Morning Joe” that Nolan was running the project like an “indie film.”

“Dude, you know the thing is, okay he’s got a crazy budget, it’s not small, but he runs [it] like an indie film because he’s not doing it by committee, he’s not doing it by what the studio says,” the actor said last month, per The Independent.

“He’s like an indie filmmaker but with crazy money,” he added.