New images from Christopher Nolan’s highly anticipated film reveal Robert Pattinson as Antinous and Zendaya as Athena on The Odyssey set, offering fans their most detailed glimpse yet ahead of the movie’s debut in 2026. These Robert Pattinson The Odyssey photos not only showcase character transformation and costumes, but also highlight the impressive cast gathering for this ambitious adaptation.
Fresh Sneak Peeks from Nolan’s The Odyssey
Recently circulated photos captured Robert Pattinson in the role of Antinous, a prominent suitor competing for Penelope, played by Anne Hathaway. According to @pattinsonphotos on social media, Antinous is
“one of the many suitors vying for Penelope (Anne Hathaway), Odysseus’ wife.”
This project marks Pattinson’s second collaboration with director Christopher Nolan, following his appearance in Tenet.
Zendaya also features prominently in new behind-the-scenes images, portraying Athena, the goddess guiding Odysseus. Matt Damon appears alongside her as Odysseus himself, providing fans with their first look at these central figures immersed in the story’s ancient Greek setting.
Robert Pattinson is officially playing “Antinous” in Christopher Nolan’s ‘THE ODYSSEY’! Antinous is one of the many suitors vying for Penelope (Anne Hathaway), Odysseus’ wife. pic.twitter.com/ovgrhoFqKC— Robert Pattinson Photos | Fansite (@pattinsonphotos) November 20, 2025
Alongside the lead stars, John Leguizamo appears in dramatic prosthetics as Eumaeus, providing an early taste of the film’s practical makeup effects. Empire’s preview also highlighted the first look at Anne Hathaway as Penelope, Tom Holland as Telemachus, and Mia Goth in the role of Melantho, adding further depth to the ensemble cast.
Zendaya and Matt Damon behind the scenes as ‘Athena’ and ‘Odysseus’ !!!! pic.twitter.com/sFZuDxjxrB— ⋆˚࿔ eve ??˚⋆ (@he4vensnight) November 20, 2025
Star-Studded Ensemble to Portray Homeric Characters
Christopher Nolan has assembled a notable group for The Odyssey, including Matt Damon as Odysseus, Tom Holland as Telemachus, Anne Hathaway as Penelope, Zendaya as Athena, and Robert Pattinson as Antinous. John Leguizamo’s turn as Eumaeus, joined by Mia Goth’s Melantho and Himesh Patel’s shipmate, promises a rich representation of Homer’s epic. Further bolstering the cast are Jon Bernthal, Samantha Morton, Lupita Nyong’o, Charlize Theron, and Benny Safdie. Additional actors such as Elliot Page, Bill Irwin, and Corey Hawkins are also set to appear, with some character roles yet to be revealed.
Zendaya’s Athena and Matt Damon’s Odysseus are introduced on location, showing the practical approach Nolan often favors over digital effects. The inclusion of prominent names like Charlize Theron, Lupita Nyong’o, and Jon Bernthal suggests the narrative will unfold across a range of interconnected storylines, all tied to Odysseus’s mythic journey.
Innovative Filming Techniques Elevate the Production
Production on The Odyssey utilizes advanced IMAX equipment specifically engineered for this project, allowing for exceptionally close-range sound recording. In an interview with Empire, Christopher Nolan explained,
“You can be shooting a foot from an actor’s face while they are whispering and get usable sound.”
Cinematographer Hoyte van Hoytema tested the setup by filming a child reading David Bowie’s Sound And Vision, further expanding the possibilities for cinematic intimacy. Nolan described the results as “electrifying.”
According to Empire’s early screening, a highlighted sequence opens with the line,
“You hear the story of the horse?”
before dramatizing the fall of Troy, and concluding with a brief glimpse of a Cyclops, indicating that the film will lean into the epic’s fantastical elements. These previews offer a sense of the film’s ambition and immersive visual style.
Release Timeline and Industry Buzz
Universal Pictures has announced that The Odyssey is slated for release on July 17, 2026, putting anticipation at an all-time high as fans and industry watchers await further updates. The combination of a celebrated director, an award-winning ensemble cast, and innovative technical advancements positions The Odyssey as a potential highlight of the 2026 cinema calendar.
With new images sparking discussion online and extensive previews emerging from outlets like Empire, the film is already gathering significant momentum well ahead of its release. As further information and visuals are shared leading up to the premiere, interest is expected to continue growing among audiences eager to witness Nolan’s interpretation of the classic tale.
Robert Pattinson is officially playing “Antinous” in Christopher Nolan’s ‘THE ODYSSEY’!
Antinous is one of the many suitors vying for Penelope (Anne Hathaway), Odysseus' wife. pic.twitter.com/ovgrhoFqKC
— Robert Pattinson Photos | Fansite (@pattinsonphotos) November 20, 2025
Zendaya and Matt Damon behind the scenes as ‘Athena’ and ‘Odysseus’ !!!! pic.twitter.com/sFZuDxjxrB
— ⋆˚࿔ eve 𝜗𝜚˚⋆ (@he4vensnight) November 20, 2025
