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‘The Odyssey’ Goes All-In On War And The Cyclops
The first six minutes of Christopher Nolan's epic can be exclusively seen at IMAX screenings of Avatar: Fire and Ash, giving fans an exciting glimpse into what to expect.
Christopher Nolan surprises us once again with his ambitious project The Odyssey. The film, in which Matt Damon stars as Odysseus, king of Ithaca, promises to be a visual spectacle. Alongside Damon, we see an impressive cast featuring names like Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Zendaya, Mia Goth, Lupita Nyong’o, Robert Pattinson, Charlize Theron, and Jon Bernthal. The official release is scheduled for July 17, 2026, but the first marketing campaign began months ago with a short teaser.
Now there is a new milestone: a six-minute prologue that runs exclusively in IMAX theaters. This preview offers a glimpse of Nolan’s vision for the classic tale and instantly sets the tone for the film. The segment takes place at the end of the Trojan War and opens with an intriguing question: Do you know the story of the horse?
The first images show the famous wooden horse being dragged into the city by Trojan soldiers. A thrilling moment follows when a soldier stabs a spear into the horse to check if it is safe. Inside, a Greek is injured, but Odysseus manages to stifle his cry. Eventually, the horse is placed next to a temple, ready for the night that will change everything.
When darkness falls, the Greeks emerge through a hidden panel beneath the horse. They take out the guards and open the city gates. Nolan emphasizes the contrast between the Trojan and Greek costumes: Trojan soldiers wear white uniforms and masks, while Odysseus and his men are clad in dark tactical armor. The segment ends with Odysseus putting on his helmet and preparing for battle.
Following this intense scene, brief shots at sea tease Odysseus's epic journey. The highlight? An imposing cyclops that briefly appears, a clear hint at the mythological challenges yet to come.
The six-minute prologue is only visible for one week, paired with the IMAX re-release of Sinners and One Battle After Another in America. A shortened version of one minute will later be shown before Avatar: Fire and Ash. Those who miss this opportunity will have to wait until July to see the full scene. Nolan's preference for 70mm IMAX makes this strategy logical: he wants to showcase his film on the largest possible canvas.
Interesting detail: this prologue feels like an echo of a film that was never made. Nolan was once briefly involved with the project Troy back in 2004, but it ultimately went to Wolfgang Petersen. Now, more than twenty years later, Nolan shows how far he has come, with a much greater mastery of scale and spectacle.
The footage proves Nolan's mastery of cinematography. The shot in which the horse is dragged through the city walls, surrounded by dozens of extras, is breathtaking. At the same time, we see the claustrophobic tension inside the horse, where Odysseus and his men prepare for their moment. Everything indicates that The Odyssey will be one of the most impressive films of 2026.
Now there is a new milestone: a six-minute prologue that runs exclusively in IMAX theaters. This preview offers a glimpse of Nolan’s vision for the classic tale and instantly sets the tone for the film. The segment takes place at the end of the Trojan War and opens with an intriguing question: Do you know the story of the horse?
The Iconic Trojan Horse
The first images show the famous wooden horse being dragged into the city by Trojan soldiers. A thrilling moment follows when a soldier stabs a spear into the horse to check if it is safe. Inside, a Greek is injured, but Odysseus manages to stifle his cry. Eventually, the horse is placed next to a temple, ready for the night that will change everything.
When darkness falls, the Greeks emerge through a hidden panel beneath the horse. They take out the guards and open the city gates. Nolan emphasizes the contrast between the Trojan and Greek costumes: Trojan soldiers wear white uniforms and masks, while Odysseus and his men are clad in dark tactical armor. The segment ends with Odysseus putting on his helmet and preparing for battle.
A Glimpse Of The Greater Adventure
Following this intense scene, brief shots at sea tease Odysseus's epic journey. The highlight? An imposing cyclops that briefly appears, a clear hint at the mythological challenges yet to come.
The six-minute prologue is only visible for one week, paired with the IMAX re-release of Sinners and One Battle After Another in America. A shortened version of one minute will later be shown before Avatar: Fire and Ash. Those who miss this opportunity will have to wait until July to see the full scene. Nolan's preference for 70mm IMAX makes this strategy logical: he wants to showcase his film on the largest possible canvas.
A Glimpse Of What Could Have Been
Interesting detail: this prologue feels like an echo of a film that was never made. Nolan was once briefly involved with the project Troy back in 2004, but it ultimately went to Wolfgang Petersen. Now, more than twenty years later, Nolan shows how far he has come, with a much greater mastery of scale and spectacle.
The footage proves Nolan's mastery of cinematography. The shot in which the horse is dragged through the city walls, surrounded by dozens of extras, is breathtaking. At the same time, we see the claustrophobic tension inside the horse, where Odysseus and his men prepare for their moment. Everything indicates that The Odyssey will be one of the most impressive films of 2026.
