Christopher Nolan Greek mythology films are drawing excitement as The Odyssey prepares for its 2026 release, but the celebrated director came close to leading another adaptation of ancient myth nearly two decades ago. Although Wolfgang Petersen helmed the Brad Pitt-led Troy in 2004, Nolan recently revealed he was initially chosen to direct the project before Petersen returned.
Nolan’s Initial Involvement with Troy
During an interview for Empire magazine’s January 2026 edition, Christopher Nolan disclosed that he was initially approached by Warner Bros. to direct Troy, a major film inspired by Homer’s Iliad that eventually starred Brad Pitt and Eric Bana. Nolan stated,
originally hired by Warner Bros. to direct Troy.
— Christopher Nolan, Director.
Nolan elaborated on the situation, explaining,
Wolfgang [Petersen] had developed it, and so when the studio decided not to proceed with his superhero movie [‘Batman Vs Superman’], he wanted it back. Fair enough. But at the end of the day, it was a world that I was very interested to explore. So it’s been at the back of my mind for a very long time. Certain images, particularly. How I wanted to handle the Trojan horse, things like that.
— Christopher Nolan, Director.
Petersen’s Troy was released in 2004, achieving substantial box office success but mixed critical reactions. The film grossed nearly $500 million worldwide on a $175 million budget but was met with some disappointment over its departure from the myth’s legendary supernatural aspects. On Rotten Tomatoes, Troy has a score of 53% from critics and a 74% audience rating.
Box Office and Legacy of Troy
Taking into account adjustment for inflation to 2025 numbers, Troy’s global earnings would equate to more than $855 million, with its budget coming in at over $300 million by today’s standards. Despite the absence of original mythological elements, audiences appreciated Troy’s spectacle and dramatic performances from Brad Pitt as Achilles and Eric Bana as Hector, with Sean Bean appearing as Odysseus in a supporting role.
At the time of Troy’s production, Christopher Nolan was garnering attention for his distinctive directorial work on Memento (2000), featuring Guy Pearce in a complex mystery. Just one year after Troy’s 2004 release, Nolan would go on to redefine superhero cinema with Batman Begins, between his growing interest in ancient stories and Hollywood blockbusters.
Early Fascination with Ancient Greek Myths
Nolan’s connection to Greek mythology long predates his consideration for the Troy project. He recounted to Empire magazine a formative early memory:
I remember seeing a school play of Ulysses (the Latin variant of Odysseus) when I was five or six years old,
— Christopher Nolan, Director.
Continuing his reflection, Nolan described the scene on stage, noting,
The older kids were doing it. I remember the Sirens and him being strapped to the mast and things like that. But that’s barely a conscious memory. I think it’s in all of us, really. And when you start to break down the text and adapt it, you find that all of these other films — and all the films I’ve worked on — you know, they’re all from The Odyssey. Emma [Thomas, Nolan’s wife and fellow producer] said it best when we first announced the project: it’s foundational.
— Christopher Nolan, Director.
The Odyssey Emerges as Nolan’s Grand Project
Christopher Nolan’s passion for Greek mythology finds its fullest expression yet in The Odyssey, his highly anticipated adaptation of Homer’s epic tale. The story follows Odysseus’s return home to Ithaca after the Trojan War, continuing the mythological universe that began with the Iliad. The Odyssey is considered almost a sequel to the saga depicted in Troy.
The cast assembled for The Odyssey is filled with acclaimed actors, including Matt Damon as Odysseus, Tom Holland as Telemachus, Zendaya, Anne Hathaway, Mia Goth, and Jon Bernthal. This ensemble brings together Hollywood’s leading talent and reflects the scale Nolan aims for in his exploration of legendary stories.
Enthusiasm and Anticipation for Nolan’s Latest Film
With IMAX screenings for The Odyssey already sold out a year before its debut, anticipation is reaching unprecedented levels for the July 17, 2026 premiere. Nolan’s reputation as an Oscar-winning director and his evolving career from smaller genre films to global blockbusters like Batman Begins have only increased public excitement for this new project. Media coverage also notes the significance of Emma Thomas, Nolan’s wife and producing partner, in shaping this ambitious vision.
Nolan’s persistent interest in ancient narratives and his unique approach to storytelling has positioned The Odyssey as not just one of 2026’s most hotly awaited releases, but as a potential landmark in Greek mythology films. As the release date approaches, filmgoers and critics alike will be closely watching Nolan’s interpretation of Homer’s enduring classic, and pondering what might have been had he been at the helm of Brad Pitt’s Troy two decades earlier.
Featured Cast of The Odyssey
Matt Damon leads as Odysseus, bringing the legendary hero’s journey to life as the central figure. Tom Holland takes on the role of Telemachus, Odysseus’s son, who is key to his father’s story upon returning to Ithaca. Zendaya and Anne Hathaway are also set for significant parts, contributing star power and depth to the film’s ensemble. Their performances, alongside those of Mia Goth and Jon Bernthal, promise a dynamic portrayal of Homer’s timeless epic in Nolan’s signature style.
