Although the release of Christopher Nolan’s <em>The Odyssey</em> is still more than a year away, I am convinced it will emerge as one of the most outstanding films of 2026. This belief resonates strongly with many fans, especially following the phenomenal success of Oppenheimer, Nolan’s previous film, which received exceptionally positive reviews and won the prestigious Best Picture award at the 2024 Academy Awards. Alongside Oppenheimer, Christopher Nolan has produced other cinematic masterpieces, including The Dark Knight, Inception, Interstellar, and Dunkirk. The Odyssey is anticipated to share thematic similarities with Interstellar, as it centers around a man’s quest to return home to his family.

Throughout his illustrious career, Nolan has explored a diverse range of genres, including science fiction, war films, and the superhero genre. However, The Odyssey will mark his inaugural foray into the realm of fantasy films. Traditionally, Nolan has favored practical effects over CGI. Yet, given that The Odyssey draws inspiration from Homer’s epic poem and features a plethora of monsters and mythical creatures, it may compel him to embrace digital effects. Consequently, I am eager to witness how Nolan creatively interprets pivotal scenes from the poem. Thus, I present to you the eight standout moments that I am particularly excited to see in The Odyssey:

8

Odysseus’ Epic Battle with the Cyclops

Odysseus Will Outwit Polyphemus in The Odyssey

In The Odyssey, the legendary hero Odysseus and his crew find themselves on an unfamiliar island where they stumble upon a cave. Unfortunately, they become captives of the Cyclops Polyphemus, who holds them prisoner and even devours some of Odysseus’ men. To orchestrate their escape, Odysseus cunningly gets Polyphemus intoxicated, then sharpens a wooden stake, heats it in the fire, and plunges it into the Cyclops’ eye. In a frenzy of pain and confusion, Polyphemus removes the boulder blocking the cave’s entrance, allowing Odysseus and his crew to escape.

Fans are eager to see how Polyphemus will be portrayed in Nolan’s adaptation of this timeless epic poem. Given Nolan’s penchant for practical effects, he may need to employ innovative techniques to authentically convey the image of a Cyclops. This scene is particularly anticipated by fans since it is arguably one of the most iconic moments from the poem, and they are excited to see how Nolan brings this legendary character to life in The Odyssey.

7

The Terrifying Cannibal Giants Devouring Odysseus’ Crew

The Giants in The Odyssey Will Be Absolutely Menacing

Following their narrow escape from Polyphemus, Odysseus and his crew will face even greater peril. In the film, they are expected to arrive at the island of the Laestrygonians, a race of fearsome giants described in the poem. Upon their arrival, these giants will launch massive boulders at Odysseus’ fleet, resulting in the sinking of eleven out of twelve of their ships. Stranded and vulnerable, the Laestrygonians will pursue and devour several crew members, adding to the harrowing nature of their journey.

Odysseus and a handful of his crew will manage to escape the island aboard the sole remaining ship, but the heavy losses inflicted by the giants will serve as a somber moment in the forthcoming film. Much like Polyphemus, I am intrigued to see how Nolan visualizes the Laestrygonians in The Odyssey. The escape from the giants could arguably be one of the most terrifying sequences in the movie, allowing Nolan to explore his talent for horror, a genre he has yet to fully embrace.

6

Circe’s Transformation of Odysseus’ Crew into Pigs

Circe Will Evolve from an Adversary to an Ally in The Odyssey

In The Odyssey, Odysseus and his crew face numerous divine obstacles during their journey home. Upon reaching the island of Aeaea, where the palace of Circe is located, she deceitfully enchants their food and wine, transforming many of the crew members into pigs. Fortunately, Odysseus receives a warning prior to dining with Circe. In the narrative, Odysseus employs the magical herb Moly to protect himself from Circe’s poison and compels the goddess to revoke her spell.

This moment marks a significant turning point, as it showcases one of the few instances where Odysseus successfully outsmarts a deity in The Odyssey. After confronting Circe, she willingly reverses her spell, allowing Odysseus and his men to luxuriate on her island for an entire year. In the forthcoming film, it will be fascinating to see if Nolan delves into Circe’s motivations behind transforming Odysseus’ men into pigs. Perhaps the goddess seeks amusement at the expense of the mortals, or maybe the crew’s previous disrespect towards her fuels her actions.

5

Odysseus Summoning Spirits in Hades

Odysseus Will Journey to the Underworld in The Odyssey

While on Aeaea, Circe instructs Odysseus to embark on a journey to the underworld to perform a ritual that allows him to communicate with the dead. Following her directive, Odysseus and his crew arrive at Hades’ gates, where they make a sacrifice to summon the spirits of the deceased. During this poignant scene, Odysseus may interact with a former crew member, the prophet Tiresias, as well as his own mother. This moment has the potential to be one of the most emotionally charged sequences in Nolan’s adaptation of The Odyssey.

Hades, a significant realm in Greek mythology, presents an intriguing opportunity for Nolan to showcase his artistic vision. While Odysseus is likely to appear composed during his conversations with the spirits, several crew members may experience palpable fear. Additionally, I am curious to discover what the deceased souls reveal about Odysseus and his tumultuous journey home, as his decisions have resulted in numerous fatalities. Consequently, this scene could challenge Odysseus’ moral compass, portraying him as a multifaceted character, rather than merely a conventional hero.

4

The Perilous Encounter with Scylla & Charybdis

The Odyssey May Introduce Two Formidable Monsters

Upon departing from Hades, Odysseus faces a daunting choice between two monstrous threats. While navigating a treacherous strait, he must decide whether to sail closer to Scylla, a fearsome six-headed beast that devours sailors, or to Charybdis, a colossal whirlpool capable of consuming entire ships. Ultimately, Odysseus opts to steer closer to Scylla, sacrificing only six men in order to save the rest of his crew from total destruction.

As this is a fantasy film, it will be fascinating to see how Nolan visualizes a large monster like Scylla. More than with Polyphemus or the Laestrygonians, Nolan will likely need to incorporate advanced CGI to bring Scylla to life. Additionally, witnessing Odysseus make this harrowing choice in The Odyssey is exciting, as he understands that facing either monster will lead to significant losses. This moment serves to underscore Odysseus’ complexity as a character who must confront the consequences of his decisions throughout his arduous journey home.

3

Odysseus Listening to the Enchanting Song of the Sirens

Odysseus’ Journey Home Will Not Be Compromised by the Sirens

The film The Odyssey is expected to delve deeper into its mythical roots by incorporating the Sirens, captivating creatures that are half-woman and half-bird. After navigating past Scylla, Odysseus and his crew will approach the Sirens’ island. These enchanting beings are notorious for luring sailors with their mesmerizing songs, prompting Odysseus to instruct his crew to block their ears with beeswax. However, driven by curiosity, Odysseus commands his men to bind him to the ship’s mast, leaving his ears unplugged.

While securely tied to the mast, Odysseus can savor the Sirens’ enchanting melody without succumbing to their allure. The image of Matt Damon as Odysseus, restrained yet captivated by the song, could add a humorous element to The Odyssey. Moreover, I am eager to hear what the Sirens’ song will sound like in this adaptation, as Nolan’s films are renowned for their exceptional soundtracks, promising a potentially breathtaking musical experience.

2

Odysseus and Telemachus Confronting the Suitors

Odysseus Will Stand with His Son in Battle at the Climax of The Odyssey

After enduring a decade-long odyssey filled with trials and tribulations, Odysseus finally arrives home in Ithaca. However, his reunion with his beloved wife cannot occur just yet, as he must first confront the suitors who have invaded his home, squandering his wealth and conspiring against his son, Telemachus. Thus, it becomes a moment of immense satisfaction when Odysseus and Telemachus join forces to vanquish the suitors, marking a climactic point in the narrative.

After enduring a long separation, the moment when Odysseus and Telemachus join forces to confront the suitors will be immensely gratifying. Having not seen each other since Telemachus was a child, their reunion is bound to be profoundly emotional. Given Nolan’s direction, this moment might evoke parallels to the reunion of Cooper and Murph at the conclusion of Interstellar. Furthermore, this scene will highlight the combat prowess of both Odysseus and Telemachus, adding an exhilarating layer to the climax.

1

Odysseus Joyously Reuniting with Penelope

True Love Triumphs at the Conclusion of The Odyssey

Ultimately, after vanquishing the suitors, Odysseus will finally be able to embrace his wife, Penelope. Initially, she will be skeptical of Odysseus, who, upon arriving in Ithaca, disguises himself as an elderly man. However, Odysseus will successfully persuade her of his true identity. Therefore, by the conclusion of The Odyssey, Odysseus, Penelope, and Telemachus will be reunited as a family.

As the entire film builds towards this pivotal moment, it promises to be one of the most unforgettable scenes in The Odyssey. Penelope has spent years resisting the suitors, holding onto hope for her husband’s return. Similar to his emotional reunion with Telemachus, Nolan will undoubtedly craft a heartfelt and moving reunion between Odysseus and Penelope. Thus, this sequence is poised to serve as a remarkable finale to Nolan’s interpretation of The Odyssey.