Christopher Nolan's adaptation of Homer's ancient Greek epic, The Odyssey, arrives in cinemas on July 17, 2025. The film features an all-star cast led by Matt Damon as Odysseus, alongside Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Zendaya, and Robert Pattinson. For audiences needing a refresher on the legendary characters, here is a breakdown of the key figures in the story.
Odysseus: The Hero of Ithaca
Matt Damon portrays Odysseus, the legendary King of Ithaca. After fighting in the Trojan War, Odysseus embarks on a decade-long journey home. His voyage is fraught with mythical creatures, angry gods, and impossible temptations, testing his endurance as he strives to reunite with his family. Nolan has emphasized that the film is both a sweeping homecoming story and a deeply human tale about family, perseverance, and identity.
Penelope and Telemachus: The Family Left Behind
Anne Hathaway plays Penelope, Odysseus' devoted wife. She spends years fending off ambitious suitors who believe her husband is dead and hope to seize both her hand in marriage and his kingdom. Tom Holland portrays Telemachus, their son, who embarks on a coming-of-age journey to discover what became of his father. Nolan has described the father-and-son relationship as one of the emotional anchors of the film. Telemachus learns what it truly means to become a leader as he searches for answers.
Athena: The Guiding Goddess
Zendaya plays Athena, the goddess of wisdom and one of Odysseus' greatest allies. She repeatedly intervenes to guide both Odysseus and Telemachus, offering advice, protection, and strategic support throughout their separate journeys.
Mythical Figures and Antagonists
The voyage introduces several unforgettable mythical figures. Charlize Theron plays Calypso, the immortal nymph who keeps Odysseus stranded on her island for years. Samantha Morton portrays the powerful sorceress Circe, whose magical abilities create one of the hero's most memorable encounters. Back in Ithaca, Robert Pattinson plays Antinous, the most ruthless of Penelope's suitors. As Odysseus remains missing, Antinous emerges as a principal threat to his family and kingdom, becoming a key antagonist.
Supporting Cast
The supporting cast is equally packed with familiar faces. Lupita Nyong'o takes on dual roles as Helen of Troy and Clytemnestra. Jon Bernthal plays Spartan king Menelaus, Benny Safdie portrays Agamemnon, John Leguizamo appears as the loyal swineherd Eumaeus, and Himesh Patel plays Odysseus' trusted crew member Eurylochus.
Production and Release
Shot entirely with IMAX cameras across six countries, The Odyssey is Nolan's most ambitious production to date and features one of the most star-studded ensembles of his career. The director has said his goal was to make Homer's nearly 3,000-year-old epic accessible to modern audiences without sacrificing its emotional depth or mythological grandeur. Whether viewers are lifelong fans of Greek mythology or discovering the story for the first time, understanding these central characters should make the epic journey all the more rewarding when the film arrives in cinemas on July 17.
