Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey adaptation features star-studded cast shot on IMAX
Christopher Nolan's adaptation of Homer's The Odyssey will feature a star-studded cast including Matt Damon, Tom Holland, and Anne Hathaway, and will be shot entirely on IMAX cameras.
The Full Story
A plain summary built from the channels that reported this story.
Christopher Nolan's next film, an adaptation of Homer's ancient Greek epic The Odyssey, is set to be a major cinematic event. The acclaimed director, following the billion-dollar success of Oppenheimer, has assembled a star-studded cast including Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway, Tom Holland, and Zendaya. The film will be the first feature ever shot entirely on heavy IMAX cameras, with 91 days of punishing filming across six countries using real seas and real ships.
Matt Damon plays Odysseus, the wily warrior king of Ithaca trying to return home after the Trojan War. Anne Hathaway plays his wife Penelope, who waits for him. Tom Holland plays their son Telemachus, and his real-life wife Zendaya plays the goddess Athena. For Holland and Zendaya, this is their first time working with Nolan. Holland described getting the call from Nolan, who asked if he could offer Zendaya the role of Athena: "She just had the little corners of her mouth went out, she had a little smile, and then we both started jumping around the kitchen."
Nolan said the story resonates with modern audiences because it deals with themes of war, trauma, and guilt. When asked if he feels pressure after Oppenheimer's success, he recalled his son walking into his office and asking where his Oscars were. Nolan replied that having them on the shelf would be daunting. He added: "The biggest risk in motion pictures is to not take a risk. You have to be putting it out there and offering people something new."
Early reviews for The Odyssey are reported to be strong, and tickets are selling fast. The film is expected to draw audiences back to cinemas, with Matt Damon saying: "Moviegoers are going to save cinema. That's the only way that that happens. But they've got to be enticed in."
On screen
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Key Claims
Claims reported during this story's coverage, mapped by channel. Ordered by how many channels carried each claim.
| Claim | BBC NEWS | BBC One |
|---|---|---|
| Filming took 91 days across six countries using real seas and ships. | ||
| The Odyssey is the first feature film to be shot entirely on IMAX cameras. | ||
| Early reviews for The Odyssey are a triumph. | · | |
| Matt Damon plays Odysseus, Anne Hathaway plays Penelope, Tom Holland plays Telemachus, and Zendaya plays Athena. | · | |
| Tom Holland and Zendaya are first-time actors in a Christopher Nolan film. | · |
Channel Perspectives
What each channel focused on, with key quotes.
BBC ONE West provided the most detailed coverage, including extended interviews with the cast and Nolan. The report emphasised the star power of the cast, the technical ambition of shooting on IMAX, and the personal anecdotes from actors, such as Tom Holland telling Zendaya about her role. The tone was enthusiastic and celebratory, framing the film as a major cultural event.
- “He's been dubbed King Arthur, but we do have actual royalty here today. Queen Camilla, who earlier met Heather Watson, staff here as well.”
- “I said, I think I've missed all the flights today, but how about tomorrow?”
- “The biggest risk in motion pictures is to not take a risk.”
BBC NEWS presented a condensed version of the story, focusing on the film's themes of war and morality and Nolan's risk-taking approach. The report highlighted the contrast between *Oppenheimer* and *The Odyssey*, and included the quote about 'smuggling high art' into accessible cinema. The tone was more analytical, framing the film as a blend of ancient epic and modern blockbuster.
- “I almost wonder whether you're smuggling some high art in through a medium that is just so accessible.”
- “The biggest risk in motion pictures is to not take a risk.”
- “I think it's asleep.”
Broadcast Timeline
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