As Christopher Nolan continues filming The Odyssey overseas, a rumor surfaces that Lupita Nyong’o is playing the Greek goddess Athena in the film.
Update: The account now claims Lupita Nyong’o is playing Clytemnestra, the wife of Agamemnon, who is said to be played by Benny Safdie. Clytemnestra is the wife of Agamemnon and queen of Mycenae. She murdered Agamemnon when he returned from the Trojan War, mainly to avenge the sacrifice of their daughter, Iphigenia. Later, she was killed by their son, Orestes, in revenge for his father’s death.
Previous from March 3rd:
In The Odyssey, Athena plays a crucial role as the goddess of wisdom, war, and strategy, serving as Odysseus’ divine protector and guide. She frequently intervenes to aid Odysseus and his son, Telemachus, ensuring their survival and success in their respective journeys.
Matt Damon is confirmed to be playing Odysseus. It’s thought Tom Holland is playing his son Telemachus.
The Lupita Nyong’o as Athena rumor in The Odyssey comes via a Christopher Nolan fan account on X who has been leaking set images and showing off BTS images of the cast including Damon, Holland, and Jon Bernthal.
Who also stars?
The rest of the cast includes Anne Hathaway, Robert Pattinson, Charlize Theron, with Himesh Patel, Bill Irwin, Benny Safdie, Samantha Morton, Jon Bernthal, John Leguizamo, Elliot Page, Jesse Garcia, Will Yun Lee, Mia Goth and Corey Hawkins.
For every actor and the role finally confirmed, see our full Odyssey cast list.
Release info
From Universal Pictures, 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.
About The Odyssey
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.
(note: featured image of Lupita Nyong’o as Athena is fan art)
