Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey was released to the general public on July 16, 2026, and after eagerly waiting for it, I was super excited to see it on the big screen. As you might know from Greek Gods Paradise, I’m a big sucker for film retellings of Greek mythology classics. Yeah, I had sky-high expectations, especially since Nolan’s movies tend to attract a lot of attention. The film also drew some controversy surrounding the choice of certain actors, which made me even more curious to see it.
I’ve enjoyed many of Nolan’s films — though, I admit, I’ve only really been a huge fan of Batman Begins (2005). Oppenheimer (2023) was also a very enjoyable movie, but it doesn’t have that repeat-viewing appeal for me. The rest? Kinda hit or miss. Still, I went into The Odyssey hoping it would be Nolan’s ultimate masterpiece.
Right from the beginning, Nolan’s The Odyssey is a visual feast. The landscapes and scenery are nothing short of spectacular — mysterious, sweeping, and expertly crafted to evoke a mystical Greek world where the Odyssey myth unfolds. From the majestic city of Troy to the rugged shores of Ithaca, every location is beautifully realized and sure to leave you in awe. However, beyond these breathtaking visuals, the film’s story begins to waver. As it progresses, The Odyssey starts to feel like a bit of a mixed bag.
The Odyssey (2026): Casting Choices That Got People Talking
One thing that definitely raised eyebrows was the casting in Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey. For instance, Helen of Troy was played by Lupita Nyong’o. I’m not here to make a big deal about race and beauty, but considering how much the Greek myth hinges on Helen’s beauty and her being “the most beautiful woman in the world,” it felt a little off.
Honestly, if she looked more like supermodel Naomi Campbell in her prime, she would’ve been an excellent fit. You could understand why King Menelaus of Sparta might have started a war to get Naomi back from Paris’s hands. But that definitely wasn’t the case with Lupita. Sorry, just being honest. Still, I suppose Nolan wanted to shake things up, which certainly kept people talking about the film before its release and generated heaps of free publicity.
As for Odysseus? Matt Damon (age 54) was the Greek hero choice, and in my opinion, he didn’t quite fit the role. Damon’s a solid actor, but here he felt a bit stiff and way past his prime. After seeing Ralph Fiennes (age 61) in The Return (2024), I’m convinced Odysseus needs to be played by a much younger, physically handsome, somewhat Greek-looking actor.
Look, if they’re okay with an older actor, they should have gone for Billy Zane. He’d make a fantastic Odysseus — just as my Billy Zane: The Zane-tastic Odyssey comic suggests. Plus, he’s a real Greek! Or at the very least, he should have been cast as one of Penelope’s suitors, like the most evil one — he would’ve been perfect for that role.
The real standout for me was Tom Holland as Telemachus, who was 28-29 when he played the part. He genuinely surprised me with how good he was. I kept thinking, “Hey, maybe he should’ve been Odysseus!”
The divine feminine characters were a mixed bag as well. Charlize Theron as Calypso? Pretty good. She brought that goddess energy beautifully. Zendaya as Athena? Didn’t do much for me. And Penelope, played by Anne Hathaway, was okay but felt quite mismatched with Matt Damon — visually, they didn’t look good together, and their chemistry was virtually nonexistent, in my opinion. And don’t even get me started about Helen of Troy…
The Odyssey (2026): Film Scenes That Were… Different
Now, let’s talk about the scenes in The Odyssey that didn’t quite match up with other versions I’ve seen or my expectations. The giant cyclops? More like a big, slow dude. Poseidon’s son, Polyphemus, seemed like he came straight from a bad dream. Like who dreamed up that bizarre one-eyed creature?
Circe transforming the crew into pigs? The idea was quite strange — she had this average English old-lady-next-door look. But she’s supposed to be a sorceress from ancient Greece… not an English granny! Honestly, if she served a cup of tea, you’d think they were in the outskirts of London. The baddest part? The scenes of Circe turning her guests into pigs ended up giving off sickly vibes — I even noticed myself squirming uncomfortably in my seat while watching it.
What’s more, it completely missed out on any seductive allure that could’ve made it way more fun to watch. Seriously, if Nolan had gone in the direction of Heavy Metal’s ULYSSES comic style, that would’ve been way cooler.
The Sirens scene lacked real tension — just some wailing and a quick fade-out. I was expecting more of that dangerous allure — more close-ups, more memorable temptation — but nothing truly resonated with me.
Regarding the Trojan Horse, it seemed like the craftsmanship was a hundred times better than the ships themselves, which made the ships look almost laughable in comparison.
Those giant warriors dressed as knights in shining armor, resembling Lancelot from the 1981 film Excalibur, really impressed me. Could it be that someone drew inspiration from The Legend of King Arthur (Greek Mythology) to include them in The Odyssey?
On another positive note, the visit to Hades was extremely fascinating — I’d definitely give that scene a thumbs up.
The Odyssey (2026): Storytelling Flaws Exposed
Here’s where it gets a little disappointing. Nolan’s The Odyssey looks great, but the story feels kind of simple in many parts — like Odysseus telling Circe to turn his men back into humans, and she just does it. No divine battles, no real struggle. It’s almost like he wanted to keep things moving faster than Zeus’s lightning bolt once certain scenes were finished.
Plus, a lot of the top Greek gods — Zeus, Poseidon, Hades, Hermes — felt like they had been snubbed from this film project. Like they should’ve been included in some of the big moments. Who doesn’t want to see the Olympian gods in The Odyssey? That was a big mistake in my opinion. Instead, their names were just thrown about…
The Odyssey: Highlights, Lows, and What Stands Out
There were some decent performances in The Odyssey (2026). Charlize Theron as Calypso? Pretty good. Travis Scott as the Bard? Surprisingly brilliant — he brought a cool twist I didn’t see coming. However, some of the casting choices seemed to hold the movie back a bit. And seriously, why didn’t they cast a Greek actor or actress in The Odyssey, especially since it was partially filmed in Greece? Come on… do the right thing when you can. Christopher Nolan should have given Billy Zane a call — I’m sure he’d have been interested.
Overall, by the end of the film, I couldn’t shake the feeling that it lacked that magnetic pull that makes other great movies impossible to resist rewatching. Even the most sinister suitor didn’t quite sell the role as the ultimate Greek villain. Come on, Billy Zane — he would have been a far more compelling choice.
The scenes that stuck with me most — the cyclops because he looked so gross, and Circe’s transformation of Odysseus’s men into pigs because it felt genuinely disturbing. They aren’t exactly “fond memories,” but they are some of the most memorable moments I experienced. That said, I have to give credit to the world-building in The Odyssey — it was truly well done.
The final battle against the suitors, where Odysseus takes his revenge, was well-orchestrated, but it felt way over the top — like it could never have happened that way.
After watching Nolan’s interpretation of The Odyssey, I think I’d rather revisit the 1997 miniseries with Armand Assante (who was 47 when he played Odysseus) than watch Nolan’s version again. That version had more warmth and well-rounded characters, feeling much truer and more genuine to its Greek heritage. It actually makes you want to be the Greek hero, Odysseus.
I also think a touch of humor could have helped Nolan’s film, which was completely lacking in that regard. Honestly, I can’t recall a single amusing line or moment in the dialogue. It tried to take itself way too seriously, and I believe that’s one of the film’s main problems.
Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey: Final Review
After everything I’ve shared in this The Odyssey movie review — flaws and all — I still highly recommend watching it.
Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey is an incredible film, don’t get me wrong. However, don’t expect a deep, well-told exploration of Homer’s legendary story, even with its three-hour runtime.
Nolan’s The Odyssey moves quickly because, let’s face it, it has a lot to cover. But much of it feels somewhat superficial, with a few extremely memorable moments and plenty of missed opportunities. So, if you’re hoping for that epic, timeless classic, you might come away a little disappointed — like I did. Would I watch it again? Sure, most likely someday. But honestly, I won’t be rushing back for another viewing.
I’d prefer to revisit classics like Ulysses (1954), starring Kirk Douglas. That’s a truly mystical film, and I’ve enjoyed watching it many times. By the way, Kirk Douglas was only 38 when he filmed that classic. In my opinion, it has to be one of the Best Greek Mythology Movies You Must Watch.
Now, listen — you’ve got to watch Nolan’s The Odyssey at least once. I’m sure you’ll enjoy it — most people do, as it’s received excellent reviews. Looking at IMDb right now, with over 60,000 votes, the average score is 8.3 out of 10 — a remarkable rating just three days after its first screening. Personally, I’d give it a 7.5 or 8.
Many of you are no doubt going to become huge fans of Christopher Nolan’s take on Greek mythology — especially if you’re young. First-timers who have nothing to compare Nolan’s version to are especially in for a treat. So yeah, it will surely be a masterpiece for many, and honestly, I envy that experience. It’s a pretty great way to see your first film about The Odyssey.
Ideally, catch it on the big screen — that’s where it’ll have the most impact. Watching in IMAX would make it even more memorable. Just don’t go in expecting a film like Troy (2004), where every actor and actress seems perfectly cast — an epic movie you can enjoy multiple times.
For more movies based on The Odyssey and its adaptations, many of these also offer stunning visuals and stories that bring the legendary Greek myth to life.
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