Cast of The Odyssey – Meet the Heroes, Gods, and Creatures of Homer’s Epic

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Directed by Christopher Nolan.

Distributed by Universal Pictures (United States theatrical release).

The Odyssey was released in theaters on July 17, 2026.

The Odyssey (2026) Movie Review

The Odyssey (2026) is a great adventure movie based on the famous Greek story by Homer.

It follows Odysseus as he tries to return home after the Trojan War.

Along the way, he faces dangerous monsters, powerful gods, and many difficult challenges.

Matt Damon gives a strong performance as the brave hero, while the rest of the cast also does a great job.

The movie has amazing visuals, exciting action, and emotional moments that keep viewers interested.

Although it is a long film, the story is engaging and enjoyable, making it a good choice for fans of fantasy and adventure movies.

CR Rating: 9.5/10.

The Odyssey Actors

Matt Damon as Odysseus

Matt Damon - The Odyssey

DOB: October 8, 1970.

Bio: Academy Award-winning American actor, producer, and screenwriter born in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

He rose to international fame after co-writing and starring in Good Will Hunting with Ben Affleck, winning the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay.

Role: Odysseus is the legendary King of Ithaca and the hero of the story.

After the fall of Troy, he embarks on a long and dangerous voyage home, facing mythical creatures, divine intervention, and countless trials.

Guided by his intelligence, resilience, and determination, Odysseus struggles to return to his wife, Penelope, and his son, Telemachus.

Interesting Facts: Damon reunited with Christopher Nolan after starring in Oppenheimer (2023).

He reportedly underwent extensive physical training and historical research to portray the legendary Greek hero authentically.

Notable Works: Good Will Hunting, The Martian, The Bourne series, Ford v Ferrari, Oppenheimer, Interstellar, The Departed.

Tom Holland as Telemachus

Tom Holland - The Odyssey

DOB: June 1, 1996.

Bio: English actor born in Kingston upon Thames, London, England.

After training in dance, he made his professional debut in the West End production of Billy Elliot the Musical.

He rose to international fame as Spider-Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and has since established himself as one of Hollywood’s leading young actors.

Role: Telemachus is the son of Odysseus and Penelope.

Having grown up without his father, he questions whether Odysseus will ever return to Ithaca.

As ambitious suitors seek to marry Penelope and seize the throne, Telemachus embarks on his own journey in search of answers.

Interesting Facts: Holland has spoken about his admiration for Christopher Nolan’s filmmaking and described joining The Odyssey as a dream opportunity.

Notable Works: Spider-Man trilogy, The Impossible, Cherry, Uncharted, The Devil All the Time, Avengers: Endgame.

Anne Hathaway as Penelope

Anne Hathaway - The Odyssey

DOB: November 12, 1982.

Bio: Academy Award-winning American actress born in Brooklyn, New York.

She first gained widespread recognition starring in The Princess Diaries before establishing herself as one of Hollywood’s most versatile performers.

Throughout her career, Hathaway has starred in romantic comedies, dramas, musicals, and science fiction films.

Role: Penelope is the devoted Queen of Ithaca and the faithful wife of Odysseus.

During her husband’s long absence following the Trojan War, she protects her household and remains steadfast despite relentless pressure from the suitors who seek her hand in marriage.

Interesting Facts: The Odyssey marks another collaboration between Hathaway and Christopher Nolan following their work together on Interstellar.

Notable Works: Les Misérables, The Devil Wears Prada, Interstellar, The Dark Knight Rises, The Intern, Ocean’s 8, The Princess Diaries.

Robert Pattinson as Antinous

Robert Pattinson - The Odyssey

DOB: May 13, 1986.

Bio: English actor born in London, England.

He first gained international recognition through The Twilight Saga before earning critical acclaim for his performances in independent films.

Known for his versatility and willingness to take on challenging roles, Pattinson has collaborated with many acclaimed filmmakers.

Role: Antinous is the ruthless leader of the suitors occupying Odysseus’ palace during the king’s long absence.

Believing Odysseus will never return from the Trojan War, Antinous aggressively pressures Queen Penelope to marry him so he can seize control of Ithaca.

Interesting Facts: Pattinson has spoken about enjoying mythology since childhood and described working with Christopher Nolan again as a rewarding experience.

Outside acting, he is also an accomplished musician and songwriter.

Notable Works: The Batman, Tenet, The Lighthouse, Good Time, The Devil All the Time, Twilight, Mickey 17.

Charlize Theron as Calypso

Charlize Theron - The Odyssey

DOB: August 7, 1975.

Bio: Academy Award-winning South African-American actress and producer born in Benoni, Gauteng, South Africa.

She began her career as a fashion model before transitioning into acting and becoming one of Hollywood’s most acclaimed performers.

Role: Calypso is the beautiful nymph who rescues Odysseus after he is shipwrecked and keeps him on the island of Ogygia for many years.

Although she genuinely falls in love with him and offers him immortality if he stays with her, Odysseus longs to return to his wife, Penelope, and his home in Ithaca.

Interesting Facts: Theron is known for taking on physically demanding roles and undergoing extensive training for action films such as Mad Max: Fury Road and Atomic Blonde.

Notable Works: Monster, Mad Max: Fury Road, Atomic Blonde, Bombshell, The Italian Job, The Old Guard, Fast X.

Jon Bernthal as Menelaus

Jon Bernthal - The Odyssey

DOB: September 20, 1976.

Bio: American actor born in Washington, D.C.

He studied at the Moscow Art Theatre School and later earned a Master of Fine Arts degree from the American Repertory Theater’s Institute for Advanced Theater Training at Harvard University.

Role: Menelaus is the King of Sparta and the husband of Helen of Troy.

The Trojan War began after Helen was taken from him, making Menelaus one of the Greek kings who fought alongside Odysseus.

Following the war, he returns home with Helen after enduring his own difficult voyage.

Interesting Facts: Bernthal has often spoken about his love of classical literature and the opportunity to portray one of Greek mythology’s most notorious villains.

Notable Works: The Walking Dead, The Punisher, Ford v Ferrari, King Richard, The Accountant, The Bear.

Zendaya as Athena

Zendaya - The Odyssey

DOB: September 1, 1996.

Bio: Emmy Award-winning American actress, singer, and producer born in Oakland, California.

She began her career as a child model and Disney Channel star before becoming one of Hollywood’s most acclaimed actresses.

Her performances in television and film have earned widespread recognition for their emotional depth and versatility.

Role: Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom, courage, and strategic warfare, is Odysseus’ greatest divine ally.

Favoring his intelligence and resourcefulness, she guides him through many of his trials while also watching over his son, Telemachus.

Interesting Facts: Zendaya became the youngest two-time winner of the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for her performance in Euphoria.

Notable Works: Euphoria, Spider-Man: No Way Home, Dune, Dune: Part Two, Challengers, The Greatest Showman, Malcolm & Marie.

Lupita Nyong’o as Helen of Troy/Clytemnestra

Lupita Nyong’o - The Odyssey

DOB: March 1, 1983.

Bio: Academy Award-winning Kenyan-Mexican actress born in Mexico City, Mexico, and raised primarily in Kenya.

She studied film at Hampshire College before earning a Master of Fine Arts in acting from the Yale School of Drama.

Role: Clytemnestra is the Queen of Mycenae and the wife of King Agamemnon.

While Odysseus struggles to return home, news of Clytemnestra’s actions after Agamemnon’s return serves as a powerful contrast to Penelope’s faithfulness in Ithaca.

Interesting Facts: Nyong’o is the author of the bestselling children’s book Sulwe, which promotes self-esteem and positive self-image.

Notable Works: 12 Years a Slave, Black Panther, Us, A Quiet Place: Day One, Queen of Katwe, The Woman King.

Benny Safdie as Agamemnon

DOB: February 24, 1986.

Bio: American filmmaker, actor, writer, and producer born in New York City, New York.

Alongside his brother Josh Safdie, he became one of the most influential figures in independent cinema through films such as Good Time and Uncut Gems.

Role: Agamemnon is the King of Mycenae and the commander of the Greek forces during the Trojan War.

As one of the most powerful leaders among the Greek kings, his actions during and after the war have lasting consequences.

Interesting Facts: Safdie is known for balancing multiple roles in the entertainment industry as an actor, director, writer, and producer.

Notable Works: Oppenheimer, Licorice Pizza, Are You There God? It’s Me, Good Time (director/co-writer), Uncut Gems (director/co-writer).

John Leguizamo as Eumaeus

DOB: July 22, 1960.

Bio: Emmy Award-winning American actor, comedian, producer, playwright, and writer born in Bogotá, Colombia, and raised in Queens, New York City.

With a career spanning more than four decades, he has become one of Hollywood’s most versatile performers, successfully working across comedy, drama, action, and voice acting.

Role: Eumaeus is Odysseus’ loyal swineherd and one of the few servants who remains faithful during his master’s twenty-year absence.

Kind, humble, and deeply devoted to the royal family, he offers shelter to the disguised Odysseus without recognizing his true identity.

Interesting Facts: Leguizamo has received multiple major awards, including an Emmy Award, a Tony Award nomination, and recognition for his stage work.

Notable Works: Romeo + Juliet, John Wick, Encanto, Ice Age franchise, Moulin Rouge!, Carlito’s Way.

More Actors

• Elliot Page as Sinon.

• Samantha Morton as Circe.

• Travis Scott as Bard.

• Corey Hawkins as Polybus.

FAQ – The Odyssey (2026) Movie

What is The Odyssey (2026) about?

The movie follows Odysseus, the King of Ithaca, as he embarks on a dangerous journey home after the Trojan War, facing mythical creatures, powerful gods, and life-changing trials along the way.

Is The Odyssey based on a true story?

No. It is based on Homer’s ancient Greek epic poem, one of the most famous works of classical literature.

What genre is The Odyssey?

It is an epic adventure, action, and fantasy film inspired by Greek mythology.

How long is The Odyssey?

The runtime is approximately 2 hours and 53 minutes.

Where to watch The Odyssey (2026)?

The Odyssey (2026) is currently playing exclusively in theaters worldwide, including IMAX. It is expected to stream on Peacock after its theatrical run.

Conclusion

The Odyssey (2026) is a visually stunning and exciting adventure that brings Homer’s classic story to life.

With strong performances, epic action, and emotional storytelling, it is a must-watch for fans of fantasy, mythology, and historical epics.

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