The Odyssey is the epitome of a summer blockbuster. Directed by Christopher Nolan and based upon Homer’s poem, the epic chronicles the ten-year journey made by Odysseus from Troy to Ithaca after the Trojan War and the chaos – courtesy of Poseidon, God of sea, water, earthquakes and a host of other elements – that ensues. Oscar-winning actor Matt Damon plays Odysseus and is joined by a star-studded cast that includes Tom Holland, Zendaya, Anne Hathaway, Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong’o and Charlize Theron. The film premiered on 16 July in the USA and has already received a 96% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Ahead of your screening, MOJEH Men rounds-up five facts about The Odyssey that are sure to impress your cinema date (or, at the very least, your mum).
Quiet On Set
Christopher Nolan filmed The Odyssey on IMAX cameras to capture the scale of Odysseus’ journey. Filming on IMAX cameras poses a unique set of challenges. For one, the cameras were too loud to use during scenes with hushed dialogue. IMAX remedied the issue by creating a ‘blimp’ to muffle the noise. In total, the camera weighed 136 kilograms and took no less than six people to carry it.
Making History
The Odyssey made history as the first narrative feature film to be shot entirely on IMAX 70mm film. Only three minutes of film can be recorded at a time on an IMAX camera. Nolan shot over two million feet of film for The Odyssey.
Around The World
Nolan began working on the screenplay in March 2024; the film took 91 days to shoot and wrapped nine days earlier than scheduled. The Odyssey was shot in Morocco, Greece, Italy, Iceland, Scotland and the United States in order to portray various landscapes Odysseus faced throughout his travels.
All Together Now
The Odyssey is one of four films that Zendaya, Tom Holland and Robert Pattinson have starred in together in 2026 alone. Tom Holland and Zendaya star in The Odyssey, the upcoming Spider-Man Brand New Day and potentially Avengers: Doomsday if Zendaya makes a cameo. Robert Pattinson and Zendaya co-starred in the dark comedy The Drama earlier this year and will appear on screen together in Dune: Part 3 come December.
Sounds About Right
Oscar-winning Swedish composer and musician Ludwig Göransson created the score for The Odyssey using 35 bronze gongs and a synthesiser rather than traditional instruments. Göransson’s work includes scores for Tenet, Creed, Venom and The Mandalorian, with Sinners, Oppenheimer and Black Panther securing him Oscars for Best Original Score.
