🔗 Share this article Watch Christopher Nolan's This Epic Preview the Way It Wasn't Meant for Viewing. Christopher Nolan's legendary action saga, The Odyssey, is a film we've been eagerly awaiting since its announcement. It easily ranks among the most hotly anticipated motion pictures coming next year. As a pre-Christmas treat, a preview has now been released, though it's hampered by YouTube's poor compression—maybe illustrating why Nolan initially kept the trailer solely for theatrical audiences. The Initial Look at the Legendary Cast The debut footage showcases Matt Damon in the role of the king of Ithaca. We also see Tom Holland as Telemachus and Anne Hathaway depicting the loyal wife. During an emotional scene, the character pleads with her husband to vow he will return, to which he respond by asking what happens if he cannot. The trailer also offers a quick, obscured look of the mythical one-eyed giant, from whom sheep are are taken by the hero and his men during their arduous journey. Based upon a foundational pillar of Western literature, The Odyssey chronicles the epic journey of the legendary King of Ithaca. Following his victory in the Trojan War, as told within the companion epic, Odysseus endures an extended and hazardous road home. Mythical Encounters and a Star-Studded Lineup Along his path, the hero encounters countless challenges and legendary creatures. These include the witch-goddess Circe, who transforms men into swine, as well as the treacherous Sirens. Regardless of these ordeals, his sworn oath is to overcome anything to get back to his wife and son in Ithaca. The adaptation's cast is remarkably star-studded. Joining Damon, Holland, and Hathaway are Charlize Theron portraying the shrewd goddess, together with Zendaya, Lupita Nyong'o, Robert Pattinson, Elliot Page, and Jon Bernthal. A Story Repeatedly Told The classic poem has seen numerous adaptations over the years. These range from contemporary versions to a 1999 ballet. It has even been a stage musical adaptation titled Epic: The Musical, released in the form of a multi-part album series. The official trailer has been highly anticipated since the film's announcement and a short teaser clip which was initially shown exclusively in theaters. That teaser later made its way onto the internet soon after. To see a clearer version, the trailer posted on the film's official social channel might deliver a better, clearer look. The Odyssey will debut on global IMAX screens next summer.