The film, tentatively titled The Odyssey, is already considered one of the most highly anticipated projects in recent years, both for the grandeur of the epic and for Nolan’s reputation for transforming complex stories into unique cinematic experiences. The plot will follow the adventures of Odysseus (Ulysses in the Latin tradition) during his arduous journey back to Ithaca after the Trojan War: from the deception of the Trojan Horse to his encounter with Polyphemus, from the perils of the Sirens to the battles against the suitors. The narrative promises to reflect Nolan’s unique style, which often plays with nonlinear timelines and profound philosophical themes.
The cast, already announced, includes some of Hollywood’s brightest stars. Confirmed names include Tom Holland as Telemachus and Zendaya as Penelope. Anne Hathaway and Matt Damon, who previously appeared in Interstellar, will return in leading roles, while Robert Pattinson is likely to portray one of Odysseus’s companions. Charlize Theron and Lupita Nyong’o further enrich the ensemble, while the involvement of Robert Downey Jr. has yet to be officially confirmed.
The film’s production will span various Italian locations. Among them, Rome stands out, with some sequences to be filmed at the historic Cinecittà studios, renowned for hosting legendary sets since the days of Ben-Hur. In addition to the capital, there are rumors of other Italian locations, including the Amalfi Coast and Sicily, both ideal for capturing the Mediterranean landscapes described in Homer’s work. In particular, Positano’s bay might serve as the backdrop for the Sirens’ island scenes, while the evocative caves of Capo Palinuro, in Cilento, would be perfect for recreating Polyphemus’s lair. Sicily, with its Mount Etna, could represent the land of Hephaestus or other stops on Odysseus’s journey.
The Odyssey is shaping up to be one of Christopher Nolan’s most ambitious productions. With an estimated budget exceeding $200 million, the film will employ cutting-edge cinematic technologies, including the latest IMAX cameras, to capture the grandeur of the settings and the intensity of the action scenes. Nolan, known for his love of practical effects, has already stated that many of the sequences will be shot live, minimizing the use of CGI.
Nolan’s project isn’t the only film inspired by The Odyssey. Italian director Uberto Pasolini is also working on Il Ritorno (The Return), a more intimate and dramatic adaptation of the myth of Odysseus, starring Ralph Fiennes and Juliette Binoche as Odysseus and Penelope, respectively. However, while Pasolini’s take will focus on the protagonist’s emotions and personal conflicts, Nolan seems poised to deliver a more spectacular experience, emphasizing action, battles, and the epic wonder characteristic of Homer’s poem.
Set to release on July 17, 2026, The Odyssey is already shaping up to be one of the most anticipated films of the year. Italy, once again, confirms itself as a favored destination for international cinema, thanks to its breathtaking landscapes and the cultural richness that evokes the grandeur of the past.