Christopher Nolan was already one of the world’s leading directors before the release of Oppenheimer in 2023, but that picture elevated him to elite status with his first ever Academy Awards. After bagging Best Picture and Best Director for the historical epic, he’s now cast his attention further back in time to Ancient Greece.
The Odyssey is Nolan’s next project, and it’s set for release next summer. It’s already being touted as potentially the biggest film of 2026.
All the Ingredients for a Major Blockbuster
Aside from having Nolan in the director’s chair, The Odyssey has all the ingredients needed to make it a major blockbuster. Firstly, the story itself is one of the best-known tales of all time, first outlined by Homer in his epic poem around the 8th century BC. Many people already know something about the legendary warrior, Odysseus, and his decade-long journey home after the Trojan War. However, there have been few instances of this displayed on screen, so it will be amazing to finally see it brought to life with modern cinematic techniques.
The cast will be a massive draw for audiences as well, with Matt Damon in the starring role. He’s joined by countless huge names, including Tom Holland as Odysseus’s son, Telemachus. Some other crowd pleasers in the cast include Anne Hathaway, Zendaya, and Robert Pattinson. With all these names, The Odyssey will be a monumental blockbuster event.
Capitalising on the Popularity of Greek Themes
Nolan’s new film will also capitalise on the fact that ancient Greek tales have always been prevalent and popular in the mainstream. The stories of that era have long been thought of as the cornerstone of Western literature, and there have been countless adaptations over the years. Thanks to modern entertainment, these now span beyond film and television and are even included in games.
An example of just how popular ancient Greek themes are can be seen with the success of the God of War series, which is one of the most popular franchises of all time. There’s also the Age of the Gods series, which can be found at many British casino sites. The franchise includes numerous slots that feature some of the most legendary characters from Greek myths.
Nolan the Perfect Director for the Task
Many people agree that, if there’s one director who can tackle a story as epic as the Odyssey and bring it to life on screen, it’s Nolan. Over the course of his glittering career, the filmmaker has grown progressively more ambitious. Production companies have been happy to pump millions into his works, as they know that their money is going to be used for incredible spectacle and exceptional box office returns.
With Nolan known to subvert expectations and introduce plenty of twists to his works, many are wondering what new ideas he’ll bring to the Odyssey. The director has a penchant for chopping around through time in his movies, so it’s unlikely that we’ll see a linear retelling of events.
The Odyssey is one of the most eagerly anticipated films for a long time, and Nolan’s next offering has the potential to be massive. There’s a strong chance that it will be the biggest release of 2026.
Images courtesy of Universal