We get our first look at Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey in the form of a behind-the-scenes set image which confirms the setting and the time period of the movie.
Update: An official image of Matt Damon in The Odyssey has been released.
Previously from February 13:
Other than the cast and the title, not much is known about The Odyssey. Well, thanks to a Christopher Nolan fan account, it’s confirmed Nolan’s flick will be set in the same time period as the original epic (and not in the modern era), which looks to be between 1600 and 1200 B.C.
The fan account tweeted an image from Aït Ben Haddou, Morrocco where the set is currently being built. The image shows the Trojan Horse set. The account says that the city of Aït Ben Haddou will represent Troy and that the Trojan War will be depicted in Nolan’s The Odyssey.
Exclusive photo from my source in Morocco of the Trojan Horse in Christopher Nolan’s next film ‘THE ODYSSEY’.
— Christopher Nolan Art & Updates (@NolanAnalyst) February 13, 2025
This confirms that the city of Aït Ben Haddou will represent Troy and that the Trojan War will be depicted in the film. pic.twitter.com/QWiM99yaWx
Exclusive photo from one of my sources on the set of Christopher Nolan’s next film ‘THE ODYSSEY’ in Aït Ben Haddou, Morocco today.
— Christopher Nolan Art & Updates (@NolanAnalyst) February 13, 2025
According to my source, there will be scenes involving arrows and fire. The crew is concerned about not setting the location on fire. pic.twitter.com/HDD6M5HoCP
How the Trojan Horse fits with The Odyssey
I believe the original The Odyssey actually takes place after the Trojan War and the Trojan Horse isn’t in the story but that Odysseus is credited for coming up with the idea of the Trojan Horse. So Nolan could either be giving us some sort of flashback scene or it could be possible the Trojan War and Trojan Horse takes palace at the start of the film leading into The Odyssey.
Filming locations
The account also mentioned filming locations: “The filming will begin in Messinia, Greece, on March 10, 2025, and continue until March 25, 2025. The production will involve around 350 people, including crew and actors, and a fleet of 100–150 vehicles. Casting for extras took place in Kalamata, Methoni, and Pylos on February 4–7, 2025.” including Yason Burnu, located in the Perşembe district of Ordu, Turkey.”
The account added in another tweet, “Some scenes from Christopher Nolan’s next film ‘THE ODYSSEY’ will be filmed at Yason Burnu, located in the Perşembe district of Ordu, Turkey.”
What is The Odyssey about?
The Odyssey is an ancient Greek epic written by Homer. The story follows Odysseus, the King of Ithaca, as he faces a perilous ten-year journey home after the Trojan War. Along the way, he encounters legendary challenges, including the Cyclops Polyphemus, the alluring Sirens, and the sorceress Circe.
Who stars?
Making up the cast includes Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong’o, and Charlize Theron.
Also starring includes Himesh Patel, Bill Irwi, Benny Safdie, Samantha Morton, Jon Bernthal, John Leguizamo, Elliot Page, Jesse Garcia, and Will Yun Lee.
Mia Goth and Corey Hawkins have also joined the cast.
Release info
Universal Pictures has announced Christopher Nolan’s next film The Odyssey is a mythic action epic shot across the world using brand new Imax film technology. The film brings Homer’s foundational saga to Imax film screens for the first time and opens in theaters everywhere on July 17, 2026.
