See the Director's This Epic Preview in a Manner It Was Never Intended to Be Seen.
Christopher Nolan's legendary action saga, The Odyssey, is a film audiences have been anticipating since its announcement. It easily ranks among the most hotly anticipated motion pictures coming next year. As a pre-Christmas treat, a trailer has finally arrived, though it's hampered by YouTube's poor compression—perhaps explaining why Nolan initially kept the preview exclusive to cinemas.
The Initial Look of the Stellar Ensemble
This first look reveals Matt Damon portraying Odysseus. We also see Tom Holland playing the son and Anne Hathaway depicting the loyal wife. In a poignant moment, the character pleads with Odysseus to promise he will return, to which he respond by asking what happens if he cannot. The trailer also offers a brief, shadowy glimpse at Polyphemus the Cyclops, whose flock Odysseus and his crew steal on their treacherous voyage.
Based upon a cornerstone of Western literature, The Odyssey chronicles the epic journey of the legendary King of Ithaca. Following his victory in the Trojan War, which is depicted in Homer's Iliad, Odysseus endures a long and perilous road home.
Mythical Encounters and a Star-Studded Lineup
Along his path, Odysseus confronts numerous obstacles and legendary creatures. These include the witch-goddess Circe, who transforms men into swine, as well as the treacherous Sirens. Despite these trials, his sworn oath is to overcome anything to reunite with Penelope and Telemachus in Ithaca.
The adaptation's cast is remarkably star-studded. Joining Damon, Holland, and Hathaway are Charlize Theron as the cunning Circe, together with Zendaya, Lupita Nyong'o, Robert Pattinson, Elliot Page, and Jon Bernthal.
A Story Repeatedly Told
Homer's epic has seen many reinterpretations throughout history. These range from modern retellings and a late-90s dance production. There has even been a stage musical adaptation called Epic: The Musical, released in the form of a multi-part album series.
The official trailer has been highly anticipated following the project's reveal and a brief teaser that previously played only on the big screen. That footage later made its way online soon after.
To see a clearer version, the trailer posted on the film's official social channel might deliver a better, clearer look.
The Odyssey will debut on global IMAX screens next summer.
