Christopher Nolan Reveals if The Odyssey Will Follow Timeline of Homer’s Epic

Christopher Nolan recently revealed whether his film adaptation of Homer’s Odyssey will follow a non-linear story structure like the source material. Releasing this summer, the movie comes three years after the filmmaker’s previous directorial effort, Oppenheimer. It also marks his first film to be shot entirely on IMAX’s 70mm cameras.

Christopher Nolan discusses whether The Odyssey follows a non-linear narrative like Homer’s original

Speaking on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, director Christopher Nolan confirmed that The Odyssey will follow a non-linear narrative like Homer’s ancient Greek epic.

The host asked Nolan if he would be comfortable sharing whether he shot the film in chronological order. The filmmaker replied, “The story is written in a nonlinear way. It’s the original kind of nonlinear narrative.”

Nolan added that the story begins in the middle. He then revealed that his movie starts in Ithaca with the Song of Odysseus. He continued, saying that it will see people discuss the king’s absence and how he hasn’t returned, even though 10 years have passed since the Trojan war ended, and 20 years have gone by since he left home for it. “And things are not altogether wonderful in his kingdom,” he elaborated.

Nolan then noted how Odysseus’ wife, Penelope, and son Telemachus will be “holding the fort” during his absence and warding off potential suitors for the former, including Antinous. He added, “It really is a story about homecoming.”

The Odyssey premieres in theaters on July 17, 2026. Besides directing, Nolan wrote the screenplay. He also co-produced with Emma Thomas — his wife and producing partner — via their production banner Syncopy.

Matt Damon stars as Odysseus, marking his first movie with Nolan as the lead after taking on supporting roles in Interstellar and Oppenheimer. The film’s supporting cast includes Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, Charlize Theron, and Lupita Nyong’o.

Additional actors include Jon Bernthal, Logan Marshall-Green, Mia Goth, Elliot Page, Benny Safdie, John Leguizamo, Ryan Hurst, James Remar, Samantha Morton, Josh Stewart, and Himesh Patel.