All confirmed castings in Christopher Nolan's Odyssey so far, explained

Christopher Nolan's new film, The Odyssey, is set to hit US theaters on July 17, 2026. As the premiere nears, the buzz has grown louder after Empire Magazine dropped sneak peek photos on Instagram, showing off the crew starring in the film.

Those shots gave a sneak peek at The Odyssey’s main characters: Tom Holland playing Telemachus, Matt Damon stepping into Odysseus, with Anne Hathaway taking on Penelope.

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The Odyssey: Confirmed characters from first-look images

Below are the initially confirmed cast of The Odyssey:

1) Matt Damon as Odysseus

Matt Damon as Odysseus (Image via Instagram/@empiremagazine)

Matt Damon plays Odysseus is the king of Ithaca and the central figure of Homer’s epic. Recognized for sharp thinking, he came up with the idea of the Trojan Horse. Following the conflict, a decade-long return trip brings harsh weather, dangerous beasts, legendary beings, also acts of gods. His part in the story positions Damon right at its core.

Matt Damon, an Oscar-winning American actor known for his roles in Mystic Pizza (1988), The Last Duel (2021), Air (2023), and Oppenheimer (2023). Along with movies, Damon is known for his work across TV series and his charitable work.

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2) Tom Holland as Telemachus

Tom Holland as Telemachus (Image via Instagram/@empiremagazine)

Tom Holland is Telemachus, Odysseus, and Penelope's kid, who goes searching for clues about his missing father while avoiding men trying to win his mom over. His path unfolds at the same time as his dad’s return trip; they seem totally different, yet every move brings both nearer to a shared conclusion.

Tom Holland is known for his role as Spider-Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, along with Uncharted (2022), The Devil All the Time (2020), Cherry (2021), and the upcoming Spider-Man: Brand New Day (2026). Holland has also co-founded a beer brand, BERO.

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3) Anne Hathaway as Penelope

Anne Hathaway as Penelope (Image via Instagram/@empiremagazine)

Anne Hathaway takes on the role of Penelope in The Odyssey, the ruler of Ithaca, who is steady, sharp, and quietly in control behind the scenes. She keeps the household story grounded, even as Odysseus faces tempests, beasts, and yet another twist on his wandering road. Separate paths, different struggles, but each feeds into a single knotted destiny.

Anne Hathaway is an Oscar-winning actress known for her roles in Get Smart (2008), Valentine's Day (2010), Alice in Wonderland (2010), The Dark Knight Rises (2012), The Hustle (2019), WeCrashed (2022), and The Idea of You (2024). Along with her onscreen work, she advocates for gender equality.

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4) Robert Pattinson as Antinous

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Robert Pattinson takes on the role of Antinous in The Odyssey, usually shown as the main suitor, causing trouble for Penelope. Instead of just being one among many, he stands out through bold actions. In the Ithaca story, he acts as the key opponent from a human standpoint, representing the primary human antagonist in the Ithaca arc and playing a major role in the tension within the palace.

Robert Pattinson is known for his roles in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005), The Haunted Airman (2006), The Twilight Saga, Remember Me (2010), and Water for Elephants (2011).

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5) Zendaya as Athena

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Zendaya plays Athena, known for smart thinking and battle plans, who shows up at key moments in the tale. Yet she helps Odysseus while also looking out for his son, Telemachus, offering advice and keeping them safe. Though a god, her character stays deeply involved in their struggles. Her presence significantly influences what happens from start to finish.

Zendaya is an Emmy-winning actress known for her roles in Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017), along with its sequels, HBO's Euphoria, The Greatest Showman (2017), Malcolm & Marie (2021), Challengers (2024), and Dune: Part Two (2024).

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Other cast members of The Odyssey

John Leguizamo posted on Instagram, confirming more actors in the cast. He also shared that he will be portraying the supporting role of Eumaeus in the movie.

IMDb lists a broader ensemble for the film. Known character assignments include:

• John Leguizamo as Eumaeus – who works faithfully as a swineherd; he stands among Odysseus’s trusted attendants.
• Mia Goth as Melantho – Melantho serves in Penelope’s home. In the story, instead of staying loyal, she sides with the suitors.
• Charlize Theron as Circe – Circe is a magical figure who holds Odysseus and his men back during their journey. This part stands out as one of the story’s key moments.
• Jon Bernthal (Menelaus) – Menelaus, who rules Sparta and fought in the Trojan conflict. As told, he’s sought by Telemachus, seeking news on Odysseus’ fate.
• Benny Safdie
• Elliot Page
• Lupita Nyong’o
• Samantha Morton
• Logan Marshall-Green
• Bill Irwin
• Ryan Hurst
• Jovan Adepo
• James Remar

The Odyssey is written and directed by Christopher Nolan. According to statements given to Empire Magazine, parts of the production were filmed at sea using practical methods and large-format cameras.

Nolan shared:

''We shot over two million feet of film. I’ve been out on it for the last four months. We got the cast who play the crew of Odysseus’ ship out there on the real waves, in the real places. And yeah, it’s vast and terrifying and wonderful and benevolent, as the conditions shift."

He further said:

"We really wanted to capture how hard those journeys would have been for people. And the leap of faith that was being made in an unmapped, uncharted world."

The film is produced through Syncopy in partnership with Universal Pictures, following the studios’ previous collaboration on Oppenheimer.

Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey is scheduled to be released in theaters on July 17, 2026.

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Also read: Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey reveals first look at Tom Holland as Telemachus and Anne Hathaway as Penelope.

Edited by Toshali Kritika