Christopher Nolan's 'The Odyssey' debuts worldwide

Christopher Nolan’s new epic, The Odyssey, opened in cinemas on 16 July 2026 (15 July for early screenings in some territories). The film stars Matt Damon as Odysseus opposite Anne Hathaway (Penelope), Tom Holland (Telemachus), Zendaya (Athena), Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong’o, Charlize Theron and others. It was shot in six countries – Turkey, Morocco, Italy (Sicily, Favignana, the Aeolian and Egadi islands), Greece, Iceland, Scotland and the United States – and wrapped at Universal Studios with a reported production budget of about $250 million. Nolan filmed the entire movie on IMAX 70 mm cameras, making it the first feature shot entirely in that format; only 41 theatres worldwide are equipped to project it, prompting fans to travel internationally for tickets. The picture opened to a 98 % Rotten Tomatoes score and strong box‑office pre‑sales, while critics praised its visual scale, practical effects and a human‑focused retelling of Homer’s poem, though some noted a slow pace and dense dialogue. Casting choices, especially Nyong’o as Helen, sparked cultural debate. The release has become a major cultural event across Europe, North America and beyond, driving extensive social‑media discussion and early‑ticket demand.