Christopher Nolan’s Upcoming The Odyssey Movie Just Announced Its 9th Character

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Christopher Nolan’s upcoming film, The Odyssey, has announced its ninth cast member, giving fans a better idea of how he’s approaching this adaptation of Homer’s classic story. Nolan has called the movie both “foundational” and “primal” and has been gradually revealing the cast. Initial previews have shown that the film is being shot around the world using only IMAX 70mm cameras, and promises a visually stunning take on the heroes, rulers, and gods of ancient Greece.

Universal Pictures will release Christopher Nolan’s new film, The Odyssey, on July 17, 2026. It’s his most ambitious project yet, featuring a large cast of well-known actors playing characters from the classic poem. Filming took place in several countries around the world, including Greece, Iceland, Italy, Morocco, and Scotland. Recent previews have revealed some of the actors portraying key roles, though details about other castings are still being kept under wraps. With nine characters now confirmed, fans are getting an exciting first glimpse of Nolan’s take on this timeless story and how these characters will drive the plot.

Every Confirmed The Odyssey Character

Odysseus

Matt Damon will play Odysseus, the legendary king of Ithaca and a hero of the Trojan War, in a new film based on Homer’s The Odyssey. Odysseus is famous for his intelligence and bravery – he’s the one who came up with the Trojan Horse! The story follows his challenging ten-year journey home after the war, where he faces monsters, gods, and many difficult temptations and losses. He’s considered a complex and fascinating character in ancient literature.

Odysseus is best known for his cunning intelligence, which he uses to overcome enemies throughout his journey. The movie will center on his emotional struggles as he faces impossible challenges while trying to win back his kingdom, reunite with his family – his wife, Penelope, and son, Telemachus – and bring peace back to his land.

Telemachus

Telemachus, played by Tom Holland, is the son of Odysseus and Penelope, and the story begins as he’s growing into a man. After twenty years of his father being absent, his home island of Ithaca is filled with men trying to win his mother’s hand in marriage and take over the kingdom.

In Christopher Nolan’s adaptation of The Odyssey, the actor known for playing Spider-Man will probably portray a young prince on a dangerous quest to find his father. While Odysseus is away, Ithaca faces many challenges. Throughout his journey, the prince will discover what it takes to be a leader, echoing his father’s own epic travels. The story will focus on his transformation from an unsure boy into a strong and capable warrior – a key part of the overall narrative.

Penelope 

Penelope (played by Anne Hathaway) is the queen of Ithaca and wife of Odysseus, and she deeply misses her husband. She’s known for being clever, patient, and incredibly loyal. While many men try to convince her to remarry, Penelope repeatedly outwits them. She cleverly delays making a decision by pretending to weave a burial shroud, but secretly unraveling it each night.

Anne Hathaway, known for her beloved roles in films like The Princess Diaries and The Devil Wears Prada, is set to return to those characters in upcoming sequels. She’ll also demonstrate that her character, Penelope, is just as clever and resourceful as her husband. In Homer’s The Odyssey, Penelope represents the idea of home and is the main reason Odysseus spends so many years trying to get back to her.

Athena 

Athena, played by Zendaya, is the goddess of wisdom and war, and she acts as a divine helper to Odysseus throughout the story. Zendaya’s character will be important throughout the film, helping Telemachus grow and stepping in at crucial times, but also letting Odysseus face his own challenges. She also looks after Penelope, appearing in her dreams to comfort her and shielding her from upsetting news.

I’ve always been fascinated by Athena in The Odyssey. She’s amazing – constantly showing up in disguise to help people and make sure things end up right. I think she really connected with Odysseus because they were so alike – both brilliant, thoughtful, and really good at figuring things out. It’s clear throughout the story that even the greatest heroes sometimes need a little help from the gods to achieve their goals, and Athena is definitely that support for Odysseus.

Circe

Circe, played by Charlize Theron, is a key character in The Odyssey and a well-known figure from Greek mythology. As an immortal sorceress living on the island of Aeaea, she initially transforms some of Odysseus’s crew into pigs when they arrive on her shores. However, after Odysseus challenges her – with assistance from Hermes, the messenger god – Circe becomes an ally. She offers Odysseus vital guidance for the remainder of his voyage, specifically warning him about the perils of Scylla and Charybdis, and the dangerous Sirens.

Menelaus

Menelaus, played by Jon Bernthal, is the king of Sparta and a key leader in the Trojan War – he’s also married to Helen of Troy. Bernthal will portray this powerful figure in The Odyssey, where he’ll form a significant connection with Telemachus, impacting the young man’s journey.

During Telemachus’ search for his father, he visits King Menelaus, who welcomes him warmly and shares tales from the war. This generous hospitality was a core part of Ancient Greek culture, known as xenia, and was believed to be protected by the god Zeus. Menelaus also reveals what he knows about Odysseus’ fate, providing Telemachus with crucial information that guides him on his journey.

Eumaeus 

In Homer’s The Odyssey, Eumaeus, played by John Leguizamo, is a remarkably loyal and principled shepherd to Odysseus. Throughout Odysseus’s twenty-year journey, Leguizamo’s character consistently demonstrates his unwavering devotion to the king and his family, firmly opposing the men trying to marry Penelope.

When a humble-looking traveler reaches Ithaca, Eumaeus welcomes him in, offering food and shelter without realizing who he is. This act highlights Eumaeus’s generous spirit and strong belief in hospitality, a stark contrast to the rude and selfish behavior of the suitors. Later, Eumaeus bravely participates in the final fight, proving that true worth comes from what you do, not from your social standing.

Antinous 

In Homer’s The Odyssey, numerous men compete for Penelope’s marriage. Antinous, played by Robert Pattinson, is the most pushy and conceited of the suitors. In this new adaptation, Pattinson’s character consistently breaks the important Greek tradition of hospitality (xenia), disrespects Telemachus, and even plots to kill him in order to claim the throne for himself.

Antinous is a boldly arrogant and heartless character, making him the main villain in the story. He embodies the breakdown of good manners and principles that happened while Odysseus was away. As a stark contrast to the honorable king he wants to overthrow, Antinous stands out as one of the most memorable villains in Greek mythology.

Melantho

Melantho, played by Mia Goth, is a servant in Odysseus’ palace who sides with the men trying to marry Penelope. Like her brother, she’s disloyal to the queen and her family, openly disrespects Odysseus, and has a secret relationship with one of the suitors, a charming but deceitful man named Eurymachus.

Melantho represents the betrayal happening within Odysseus’s own home. She mocks him, disrespects the palace, and indulges in the reckless behavior of the suitors. These actions show how deeply corrupted Ithaca became while Odysseus was away.

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2025-12-04 03:10