Christopher Nolan rarely misses when it comes to building hype but this time, the reaction is far from unanimous. The trailer for The Odyssey, Nolan’s ambitious adaptation of Homer’s epic poem has finally landed online and it’s already splitting opinions.
Universal released the nearly two-minute trailer on Monday, December 22 offering the first real look at Matt Damon as Odysseus, the Greek hero trying to find his way home after the Trojan War.
A Quiet, Visual-Driven First Look
Instead of loud dialogue or dramatic speeches, the trailer relies heavily on visuals. We see Odysseus leading his exhausted men away from Troy, battling violent seas, crossing harsh landscapes and surviving shipwrecks. A brief glimpse of the Trojan Horse confirms that the fall of Troy plays a role early in the film.
There’s also a dark cave scene where a massive shadow moves in the background, teasing danger without revealing much. Emotional beats are subtle with Anne Hathaway as Penelope and Tom Holland as Telemachus appearing briefly.
Mixed Reactions Flood Social Media On ‘The Odyssey’ Trailer
While excitement is high, not everyone is impressed. One user wrote, “The Odyssey trailer did nothing to make me want to see it. It was just an overall boring trailer.” Another added, “How do you make a trailer for the odyssey boring 😭.”
The Odyssey trailer did nothing to make me want to see it. I don’t even care so much about the costumes, it was just an overall boring trailer
— BORADOWN💜⁷ (@beyxbts) December 23, 2025
Casting choices and costumes were questioned too. “The Odyssey trailer giving snoozefest and I don’t know if Matt Damon was the right choice,” one X user shared and another said, “Just saw the Odyssey trailer, sad that Christopher Nolan chose to ignore historically accurate costumes in his film about Cyclops monsters and Siren mermaids or whatever.”
A user shared concerns about cyclops, adding, “I really want to watch Nolan’s Odyssey, but I’m concerned that the Cyclops in the trailer just isn’t historically accurate.”
However, praise came just as fast. “The Odyssey trailer is literally the most beautiful thing in existence,” one fan posted. Another wrote, “The Odyssey looks like a great time in the movies. That’s all that matters.”
The Odyssey trailer is literally the most beautiful thing in existence. pic.twitter.com/QRNUfxaR9V
— DUNEDYSSEY (@dunedyssey) December 22, 2025
A fan wrote, “it’s only the first trailer and we already know that the odyssey will be one of the most visually stunning films of 2026”.
One viewer summed it up simply: “One thing I love about the odyssey trailer is that it doesn’t say ‘from academy award winner.’ The name Christopher Nolan is enough.”
one thing i love about the odyssey trailer, is that it doesn't say "from acadamy award winner". the name christopher nolan is enough pic.twitter.com/cIBffcQDWJ
— flora ₊˚⊹ 🎀 (@flodyssey) December 22, 2025
A Slow Burn or a Bold Choice?
Whether boring or brilliant, The Odyssey has done its job – it has people talking. And knowing Christopher Nolan, this might just be the calm before the storm.
The film boasts a massive cast including Zendaya, Lupita Nyong’o, Charlize Theron, Robert Pattinson, Mia Goth, Jon Bernthal and more. It’s also Nolan’s first movie shot entirely using IMAX’s largest film format with a release date set for July 17, 2026.
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