Nolan’s ‘The Odyssey’ holds world premiere in London

Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey, a $250 million adaptation of Homer's ancient epic poem, held its world premiere on Monday at London's Leicester Square, drawing a constellation of Hollywood talent to the red carpet ahead of the film's July 17 theatrical release.deadline+2

A-List Arrivals on the Red Carpet

Matt Damon, who leads the film as the mythic warrior Odysseus, Tom Holland, Zendaya, Anne Hathaway, Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong'o, and Charlize Theron were among the stars who descended on the Odeon Luxe Leicester Square for the gala event. The premiere drew large crowds, with fans gathering hours early to catch a glimpse of the cast.pagesix+1

Hathaway, who plays Penelope, Odysseus's long-waiting wife, drew particular attention as she cradled her baby bump on the carpet. The Oscar winner, who announced her third pregnancy in June, wore a flowing ensemble that continued her run of striking maternity looks throughout the film's London press events. Damon described the physical and emotional demands of playing Odysseus as "much harder than anything I've ever done," rating the experience "an 11 out of 10".people+3

Cast members praised the film as Nolan's crowning achievement, with Variety reporting that stars called it "his magnum opus".imdb+1

An Epic Headed for a Massive Opening

The premiere caps an extensive promotional campaign for the R-rated epic, which was shot over 91 days across locations around the globe using new IMAX film technology. The film follows Odysseus as he battles mythical creatures and endures a treacherous voyage home to Ithaca after the Trojan War, with Holland as his son Telemachus and Theron as Calypso. The supporting cast includes Samantha Morton, Jon Bernthal, Mia Goth, Benny Safdie, and Elliot Page.editorial.rottentomatoes+3

Universal Pictures Comcast Corporation ↗ 1.06% is eyeing a North American opening weekend between $80 million and $100 million when the film reaches theaters on July 17, with early showings beginning July 16. With a reported production budget of $250 million — making it one of the most expensive R-rated films ever made — the stakes for Nolan's follow-up to the Oscar-winning Oppenheimer are considerable.nbc+3

Nolan's Most Ambitious Undertaking

Nolan, who shot more than two million feet of film during production, has said The Odyssey will run under three hours. The film was first announced in December 2024, when Universal described it as "a mythic action epic filmed around the globe using innovative IMAX technology". A London photocall the day before the premiere offered the first glimpse of the cast assembled together, with Nolan and producer Emma Thomas joined by the ensemble.deadline+4

Holland, who has called working with Nolan "thrilling" and "unique," and the rest of the cast will continue the film's premiere tour in the days ahead as the July 17 release approaches.deadline