EXCLUSIVE: Christopher Nolan adaptation of The Odyssey is adding to its already stellar cast as sources tell Deadline Emmy-winner Jon Bernthal is boarding the film. He joins a cast that already includes Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong’o, and Charlize Theron. Last month, the studio revealed the director would be doing an adaptation of the epic poem composed by Homer around the 8th century BCE.
“Christopher Nolan’s next film The Odyssey is a mythic action epic shot across the world using brand new IMAX film technology,” the studio announced on Monday in a message posted to X. “The film brings Homer’s foundational saga to IMAX film screens for the first time and opens in theaters everywhere on July 17, 2026.”
Universal had no comment.
The ancient Greek poem is one of the foundational texts of Western literature. It tells the story of Odysseus, King of Ithaca, and his perilous journey home after the Trojan War, exploring themes of heroism, loyalty, cunning, and the struggle against divine will. The tale includes iconic episodes like his encounters with the Cyclops Polyphemus, the Sirens, and the witch-goddess Circe, culminating in his reunion with his wife, Penelope. It is unknown who Bernthal will be playing.
The film is expected to start shooting next month and would mark Nolan’s second film for Universal, on the heels of his Best Picture winner Oppenheimer, its 2026 date falls in line with the window often reserved by that filmmaker, as was the case with his historical drama starring Cillian Murphy.
As for Bernthal, the actor recently won an Emmy for his role on FX’s The Bear. Next up, has a highly-acclaimed arc in the Disney+ series Daredevil, out on March 4th, in which he will reprise his beloved role as The Punisher. He will star in The Accountant 2 opposite Ben Affleck, in theaters on April 25th. He is also the co-lead of the highly anticipated Netflix show His & Hers opposite Tessa Thompson based on the hugely popular novel, which will debuting in 2025.
