While the wait for Christopher Nolan’s version ofThe Odysseycontinues, it’s worth checking out this 28-year-old adaptation that is one of the best versions of the story you’ll ever see. The comments onwhat Homer’s opinions about Nolan’sTheOdyssey would benotwithstanding, I am so excited to see the legendary director take on the classic Greek story.Christopher Nolan’s filmographyspeaks for itself,so his take on the journey of Odysseus should attract attention even among the many other renditions of the tale.
While my excitement for many aspects of Nolan’s film, such asMatt Damon’s casting inThe Odyssey,has mounted with all of the recent updates, it has not really helped the wait become any more bearable.Nolan’sThe Odysseyis currently filming but is not set to be released until July 2026, which is understandable given the scale of the project. Fortunately, a great adaptation ofThe Odysseyalready exists for those who want to see that epic story unfold before Nolan’s movie enters theaters.
1997’s The Odyssey Is A Great Primer For Christopher Nolan’s Movie
1997’s The Odyssey Is Available On Prime Video In The US
The TV film adaptation ofThe Odysseyfrom 1997 is one of the better adaptations of the epic, even if some of its elements have not fully stood the test of time.The 1997 version premiered as a two-part event on NBCand is largely considered one of thebest movies about Greek mythology, as it accurately tells the story of Homer’s Odysseus and his journey home to Ithaca. That accuracy got it some critical acclaim shortly after it aired, earning the film the Emmy Award for Outstanding Director for a Miniseries or Special.
Christopher Nolan Making A “Sequel” To This $497M Historical Epic Is Actually Way Better Than A Real Sequel Happening
Christopher Nolan’s next movie will work as a sequel to an entirely unrelated one, but will probably be much better than that movie’s real sequel.
Some of the special effects from the film do look somewhat silly,but the use of Jim Henson’s Creature Shop for the many mythical monsters lets them truly stand out from others, making 1997’sThe Odysseywork despite using dated technology. The cast also helps carry it, each performance bringing the various characters of Homer’s work to life in a compelling way that makes the film all the more fun to watch. That being said, the film’s focus on accuracy and effects will make it stand in stark contrast to Nolan’s version, which will likely attempt to modernize the myth.
Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey Will Likely Be Very Different
Nolan’s Odyssey Will Likely Focus On Its Themes More Than Its Plot
Although 1997’sThe Odysseyworks well, Nolan’s version will likely focus on the thematic aspects of the narrative on a much bigger scale.1997’s version of the story focused on getting the story right, but Nolan is more theme-centric,which will let him put his own spin on the story ofOdysseus’s journey inThe Odyssey.Considering that Homer’s epic has themes Nolan has explored before, such as identity, the impact of trauma, and the human condition, it is likely the director will lean into those beats even if that causes deviations from the source material.
As a result, Nolan’s version will largely feel different from 1997’s as it dives into the heavier topics and possibilities the latter may not have considered. The vastly different budget and scale will also aid this, as Nolan’s version can play more into the horror of each monster and moment with modern special effects that emphasize what Odysseus is up against. Ultimately, Nolan’sThe Odysseyis set to be unlike anything we have ever seen.
The Odyssey
Cast
The Odyssey is a 2026 film adaptation of Homer’s epic poem, chronicling Odysseus’s treacherous journey home from the Trojan War. The narrative explores his encounters with mythical creatures such as Polyphemus, the Sirens, and Circe, culminating in his reunion with his wife, Penelope.
