Film opinion: Who cares if Christopher Nolan’s ‘The Odyssey’ is historically accurate?
Views on Universal’s YouTube account for The Odyssey trailer have surpassed 34 million in under a week.
Clearly, anticipation for Christopher Nolan’s next film is rife, despite some quibbles from history buffs.
But, Film News Blitz’s Dan Lawrence couldn’t care less about historical accuracy when it comes to this film.
What is ‘The Odyssey’ about?
Following an Oscars rout with Oppenheimer, Nolan has turned to Greek mythology for his upcoming film, adapting the literary masterpiece that is Homer's Odyssey.
The story centres around Odysseus (Matt Damon), who, after the Trojan War, embarks on a perilous journey back home to Ithaca, encountering antagonistic forces like the Cyclops Polyphemus (a glimpse of whom can be seen in the trailer), Sirens, and Circe (Charlize Theron).
Nolan has shot the entire flick on large-format IMAX, working from his own screenplay and producing in partnership with his wife Emma Thomas under their Syncopy banner.
Why are history buffs upset?
History buffs have taken issue with costume choices and other aesthetics in Nolan’s film, nitpicking at historical miscues compared to the time period in which The Odyssey is set.
The film, and Homer’s works, which it is based on, are attributed to the Late Bronze Age, around 1200 BCE.
But the wickedly demonic and imposing helmet worn by Benny Safdie’s Agamemnon, commander of the Achaean army, has been critiqued for its inaccuracy.
These comments are made on a story that features a giant cyclops…
Why one shouldn’t care about these things
Cyclops aside, nitpicking at the historical inaccuracies of a film based on mythology is wasted effort.
Instead, the incredible costume design shown via Agamemnon’s helmet should be commended, as it looks, in the simplest of terms, incredibly cool.
Costume designer Ellen Mirojnick has crafted a tapestry of menace, tactility and strength that will no doubt serve Nolan’s vision for The Odyssey well.
Rather than spending resources on making things 100% historically accurate, Nolan is focused on creating a film that has been shot in several locations across the Globe, that is visceral, epic and grand in scale.
This is something to be excited about, as Nolan has decided not to rest on his laurels after winning Oscars with Oppenheimer, but instead swung for the fences with his most elaborate project to date.
Who else has helped craft ‘The Odyssey’?
Nolan has several talented craftspeople working with him on The Odyssey, including long-serving cinematographer Hoyte van Hoytema.
The original score is composed by Ludwig Göransson, who stunned audiences with his work on Ryan Coogler’s Sinners.
Jennifer Lame began working with Nolan as editor on Tenet, won an Oscar for Oppenheimer, and will look to emulate that success with The Odyssey.
Meanwhile, production design comes courtesy of Ruth De Jong (Oppenheimer, Nope), and casting was led by John Papsidera (Nuremberg, Superman).
Who else stars in ‘The Odyssey’?
Papsidera has crafted a stunning ensemble for The Odyssey, featuring a blend of Nolan favourites and newcomers.
Joining Damon, Theron, and Safdide are Tom Holland as Odysseus' son, Telemachus, and Anne Hathaway as Penelope, Odysseus' wife.
The cast also includes Robert Pattinson as Antinous, Jon Bernthal as Menelaus, the King of Sparta, John Leguizamo as Eumaeus and Zendaya as Athena, the goddess of wisdom.
When will ‘The Odyssey’ arrive in cinemas?
The Odyssey is poised to be one of the great epics of 21st-century cinema if Nolan can deliver a film that matches the hype.
It will be released in cinemas worldwide on July 17, 2026.
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