ATHENS — Greece was preparing for the release of Christopher Nolan’s epic film “The Odyssey” this week, with audiences anticipating a cinematic retelling of Homer’s ancient poem that was filmed in part at some of the country’s best-known historical and coastal locations.
The film, starring Matt Damon as Odysseus alongside Anne Hathaway, Tom Holland, Robert Pattinson and Lupita Nyong’o, is scheduled to open in theaters on July 17. Universal Pictures has promoted the production as the first feature filmed entirely with IMAX cameras, while Nolan has described the project as an ambitious adaptation of one of the foundational works of Western literature.
Much of the production was shot in Greece’s Peloponnese region during 2025, including locations in Messinia, Methoni Castle, Voidokilia Beach, Nestor’s Cave and Acrocorinth. Local authorities and residents closely followed the large-scale production, which brought international cast members and hundreds of crew to the country before filming continued in Italy, Scotland, Iceland and Morocco.
Greek media have reported strong public interest ahead of the release, reflecting both the story’s cultural significance and Nolan’s international reputation. The film revisits the journey of Odysseus as he attempts to return home following the Trojan War, drawing on Homer’s epic while presenting the narrative through Nolan’s filmmaking style.
The production has also attracted discussion over creative choices, including aspects of its casting and interpretation of ancient Greek mythology. Nolan has said pre-release debates are common for major films and that audiences should judge the work after seeing it. He has also acknowledged the anxiety he experiences before every release despite decades of filmmaking.
Although promotional events have been held in several international cities, some Greek commentators noted that no stop in the announced global promotional tour had been scheduled in Greece, despite the country's central role in both the source material and the filming. The absence prompted discussion in local media, though the film's theatrical release in Greece remains on schedule.
Early critical reviews published ahead of the wide release have praised the film's scale, performances and visual ambition, while emphasizing its reinterpretation of Homer’s classic rather than a strict historical reconstruction.
As theaters prepared for opening day, the focus in Greece shifted from the extensive location shoot that drew international attention last year to audience reaction, with the film set to receive its commercial release on July 17.
