The Odyssey star Corey Hawkins has hinted that Christopher Nolan’s adaptation of the ancient Greek saga will be a very different kind of epic. Adapted from Homer’s epic poem that serves as one of literature’s oldest texts, Nolan’s film adaptation will follow Matt Damon’s Odysseus, the King of Ithaca, who embarks on a perilous journey home following the Trojan War. Hawkins officially joined The Odyssey’s star-studded cast lineup in February this year, also joining the likes of Tom Holland, Robert Pattinson, Zendaya, Anne Hathaway, Lupita Nyong’o, Charlize Theron, Mia Goth and Elliot Page. Hawkins’ exact role in the movie is yet to be revealed. Speaking with ScreenRant at this year’s Toronto International Film Festival for his new thriller, The Man in My Basement, Hawkins offered his thoughts on Nolan’s unique approach to The Odyssey. Comparing Nolan’s work to an independent movie on a much larger budget, Hawkins praised the director’s attention to detail. Check out his comments below:
Interestingly enough, Mr. Nolan, Chris, is very, I would say indie filmmaking on a very different budget, but there were a lot of similarities, actually. Just the efficiency in which he works. He’s just a master of detail and I cannot wait for people to see this movie.
Hawkins also went on to suggest that The Odyssey would present audiences with a very different kind of epic movie, though he was careful not to spoil any details. Check out his final comments below:
It really is…It’s going to be epic in a different sort of way. You learn so much from him. I’m trying not to say all the things that I’m not supposed to say [laughs].

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With Homer’s The Odyssey and The Iliad serving as the two most important and influential texts originating from ancient Greek times, Nolan has certainly set his sights on an ambitious project. Given that The Odyssey has continued to inspire scholars, artists and writers for thousands of years, the director will have an enormous task of translating it to the screen. However, Hawkins’ praise of Nolan’s filmmaking approach and painstaking attention to detail will likely serve him well as he brings The Odyssey to life. Given the volume of mythological themes and legendary events referenced in Homer’s original text, and the countless reworkings that have followed it, Nolan will need every ounce of his considerable skill to do the story justice.
Our Take On Christopher Nolan’s Different Kind Of Epic

Scylla roaring above the waves in The Odyssey

With Damon’s Odysseus set to encounter all manner of gods, goddesses and mythological creatures in his years-long quest to return home to his family, The Odyssey will likely present audiences with the kind of legendary scope that would put other modern fantasy epics to shame. However, with modern audiences becoming increasingly accustomed to expansive tales that can unfold over extended runtimes, many of which now benefit from being told in episodic television format, it will be interesting to see how well Nolan can balance The Odyssey’s vast narrative within the constraints of a single, feature-length movie. Nonetheless, Hawkins’ assessment of his director would suggest that the star has every confidence that Nolan will succeed in bringing Homer’s classic tale to modern-day moviegoers, and that The Odyssey will likely offer something beyond the typical fantasy epic.

The Odyssey

Release Date

July 17, 2026

Producers

Emma Thomas