🔗 Share this article Watch the Director's This Epic Preview the Way It Wasn't Meant to Be Seen. The acclaimed filmmaker's mythic action epic, The Odyssey, stands as a movie we've been eagerly awaiting since its announcement. It easily ranks among the most hotly anticipated motion pictures coming next year. As a pre-Christmas treat, a preview has now been released, though it's hampered by YouTube's poor compression—perhaps explaining why Nolan initially kept the trailer solely for theatrical audiences. A First Glimpse at the Legendary Cast The debut footage reveals Matt Damon portraying Odysseus. Audiences are introduced to Tom Holland as Telemachus alongside Anne Hathaway as Penelope. In a poignant moment, Penelope asks her husband to vow his safe homecoming, only for him to respond by asking what happens if he cannot. Furthermore, the preview provides a brief, shadowy glimpse at Polyphemus the Cyclops, from whom sheep are Odysseus and his crew steal during their arduous journey. Based upon a foundational pillar in classic storytelling, The Odyssey chronicles the lengthy quest undertaken by the famed ruler. Following his victory in the Trojan War, which is depicted in Homer's Iliad, Odysseus endures an extended and hazardous return to his homeland. Mythical Encounters with an All-Star Cast On his travels, the hero encounters countless challenges and mythical beings. This roster features the witch-goddess Circe, known for turning humans into pigs, as well as the treacherous Sirens. Regardless of these ordeals, his sworn oath is to do whatever it takes to get back to Penelope and Telemachus on his home island. This film's ensemble is remarkably star-studded. Joining Damon, Holland, and Hathaway are Charlize Theron portraying the shrewd goddess, together with Zendaya, Lupita Nyong'o, Robert Pattinson, Elliot Page, and Jon Bernthal. A Tale of Many Adaptations The classic poem has seen numerous adaptations over the years. Examples include modern retellings to a 1999 ballet. It has even been adapted into a musical called Epic: The Musical, released in the form of a nine-album collection. A full-length preview has been highly anticipated since the film's announcement and a brief teaser that previously played only on the big screen. That footage later made its way onto the internet shortly thereafter. For a superior viewing experience, the trailer posted on the film's official social channel may provide enhanced visual quality. The Odyssey will debut on global IMAX screens next summer.