Movie audiences anticipating the Christopher Nolan The Odyssey preview have another major reason to visit theaters this month, as a nearly six-minute IMAX prologue from Nolan’s upcoming epic is set to debut alongside select showings soon. This exclusive look is reportedly being rolled out with IMAX screenings of both Sinners and One Battle After Another beginning December 11, offering an exciting bonus for film fans.
Christopher Nolan’s Prologue Arrives in IMAX Theaters
According to World of Reel, the special prologue runs just under six minutes—specifically, 5 minutes and 47 seconds—and premieres exclusively with IMAX presentations of two recently acclaimed films. Set to start on December 11, this preview lets audiences experience a first look at Nolan’s adaptation before the movie’s full release.
Additionally, fans can expect a new trailer for The Odyssey to premiere just days later with showings of Avatar: Fire and Ash when it arrives in theaters on December 19. For those already planning a trip to the biggest screen possible, this IMAX preview serves as a memorable draw.
A Glimpse of the Epic Prologue
Empire Magazine previously covered the very footage included in this prologue, describing how it opens by posing a simple yet haunting question—
“You hear the story of the horse?”
This line sets the stage as the sequence unfolds: viewers witness the iconic giant wooden horse being pulled by ropes toward Troy’s massive gates. The tension quickly escalates when soldiers hidden inside the horse emerge, unleashing chaos and launching the film into its legendary narrative. The preview’s final moment features the appearance of a Cyclops, hinting at the mythic scale and ambition Nolan brings to this classic tale.
A Star-Studded Cast and Monumental Production
The Odyssey signals Christopher Nolan’s significant return after the massive impact of Oppenheimer, this time tackling Homer’s legendary adventure. The cast is led by Matt Damon as Odysseus, with Tom Holland playing Telemachus, Anne Hathaway as Penelope, and Zendaya portraying Athena. Mia Goth (Melantho) and Jon Bernthal (Agamemnon) round out the immediate ensemble, while notable appearances from Lupita Nyong’o, Robert Pattinson, Charlize Theron, Benny Safdie, John Leguizamo, Elliot Page, and Himesh Patel further bolster the film’s star power.
Matt Damon recently reflected on the ambitious nature of filming such a grand tale, describing the experience in passionate terms:
“I can say, without hyperbole, that it was the best experience of my career. I saw the horse on the beach and I was just like, ‘F*ck.’ It was just so cool.”
—Matt Damon, Actor
Christopher Nolan has revealed the immense scale of production, sharing that over two million feet of film—nearly 400 miles—were shot. Much of filming took place on the open ocean across four months, striving for authenticity in depicting Odysseus’s legendary journey.
What Awaits Moviegoers and Nolan Fans
The release of the Christopher Nolan The Odyssey preview in IMAX is likely to draw further anticipation and enthusiasm among moviegoers and fans of both Nolan and epic cinema. With a vast ensemble cast that features Charlize Theron, Tom Holland, Lupita Nyong’o, Jon Bernthal, Benny Safdie, Mia Goth, Matt Damon, Robert Pattinson, Zendaya, John Leguizamo, Anne Hathaway, and Himesh Patel, there is considerable excitement building around how Nolan will bring Homer’s sweeping tale to the big screen. The Odyssey is set to arrive in theaters on July 17, 2026, making these early glimpses a significant moment for those eager to witness Nolan’s latest vision come to life for modern audiences.
