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The Odysseyis one of the most anticipated films of 2026. The film is Christopher Nolan's follow-up to his Best Picture-winning film Oppenheimer and features an all-star cast that includes Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway, Tom Holland, Zendaya, Charlize Theron, Lupita Nyong'o, Elliot Page, Jon Bernthal, and many more. After almost directing Troy, which was based on the Iliad, Nolan finally gets to put his own spin on a Greek epic by adapting what might be one of the most iconic works in the Western canon.
The Odyssey is one of the most iconic stories in history, having been adapted numerous times and reimagined in a variety of forms, including an episode of The Simpsons and the Coen Brothers' film O Brother, Where Art Thou? Yet, given that the story is likely one many people know, they might not have read it, or, if they have, likely not since high school English class. Before rushing out to see the movie event of the summer, here are a few things to know.
Why You Should Trust Me: I've been writing for MovieWeb for four years and have written extensively about director Christopher Nolan and The Odyssey, including "Why Nolan is the Most Influential Filmmaker of the 21st Century" and a breakdown of the 5 Biggest Reveals from the movie's IMAX prologue.
When Was 'The Odyssey' Written?
The Odyssey, along with the Iliad, is one of two epic poems written by the Greek poet Homer. The exact date of The Odyssey's composition is believed to fall between the 8th and 7th centuries BC. This means the text is about 2,800 years old. It is one of the most influential pieces of literature ever written, with its influence apparent in stories like The Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, and many more.
What Was the Trojan War?
The Trojan War is a ten-year war in Greek mythology waged by the Achaeans against the city of Troy. The conflict began after Paris of Troy took Helen of Sparta from her husband, King Menelaus, the younger brother of King Agamemnon. The war is among the most important in the Greek literary canon, ending the famous moment when the Greeks sneaked into Troy inside a wooden horse, thereby coining the term "Trojan Horse".
The actual historical nature of the Trojan War remains up for debate. While many scholars believe the Trojan War is rooted in historical truths, others argue that the story is a combination of separate conflicts and sieges. Regardless of historical accuracy, the Trojan War has been the backdrop for many great works of historical fiction.
Who is Helen of Troy?
Helen of Troy is one of the most famous figures in Greek mythology. Although originally married to King Menelaus of Sparta, her romance with Paris of Troy sparked the Trojan War. Some tellings depict her as kidnapped, while others say she and Paris were in love, but either way, it gave the Greeks a reason to invade. In his 1604 play, Doctor Faustus, playwright Christopher Marlowe described Helen of Troy as "the face that launched a thousand ships."
While Helen of Troy has many siblings, the most famous might be her half-sister Clytemnestra, wife of Agamemnon, king of Mycenae. Helen of Troy was believed to have been the daughter of Zeus. In some stories, her mother is the Aetolian princess Leda, who Zeus assaulted by taking the form of a swan. Other stories depict her as the daughter of Nemesis, the goddess who personified arrogance before the gods and was later adopted by Leda. In both cases, Helen of Troy is a demi-goddess and not a historical figure. Lupita Nyong'o will play both Helen of Troy and Clytemnestra in The Odyssey.
Who is Menelaus?
Menelaus is the king of Sparta and husband of Helen of Troy. Menelaus is the younger brother of Agamemnon. Menelaus is one of the key figures in the Trojan War, serving under his brother. Menelaus returns home to Sparta while Odysseus is lost at sea. Menelaus is visited by Odysseus' son, Telemachus.
In The Odyssey, Menelaus will be played by Jon Bernthal and seemingly will be the one who recounts the story of The Iliad to Telemachus, played by Tom Holland. This is one of two collaborations between the two actors in July 2026, with the second being Spider-Man: Brand New Day.
Who is Agamemnon?
Agamemnon is the king of Mycenae who commanded the Achaeans during the Trojan War. He is the older brother of Menelaus and the husband of Clytemnestra, the sister of Helen of Troy. A powerful ruler and general, Agamemnon is ultimately killed by his wife after he returns from Troy. Benny Safdie, who previously worked with Christopher Nolan on Oppenheimer, plays Agamemnon in The Odyssey.
Who is Odysseus?
Odysseus is the Greek king of Ithaca. While he is most famous as the lead character in The Odyssey, he also appears in The Iliad and many other epic tales. In many ways, this establishes The Odyssey as one of the first and most successful spin-offs. In The Odyssey, Matt Damon will play Odysseus.
In The Odyssey, Odysseus is on a journey to return home to his wife, Penelope, and his son, Telemachus. Odysseus attempted to avoid the Trojan War by faking lunacy, but his lie was exposed when Palamedes placed Odysseus' son in front of a plow, ultimately leading Odysseus to reveal his lie when he steers it away from his son. Odysseus becomes a legendary hero during the Trojan War, which sets the stage for The Odyssey.
Is 'The Odyssey' Based on Actual History?
The Odyssey might be building off the Trojan War, which, as mentioned previously, has its own historical status up for debate; The Odyssey itself is fiction. The Odyssey is an epic poem, not a historical textbook, and it features fictional creatures like the Cyclops, sirens, and gods. It is rooted in historical geography and a particular time and setting, but it is a far more fantastical tale and therefore a piece of mythology.
