Christopher Nolan taps Charlize Theron to bring Circe’s spellbinding presence to The Odyssey

Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey has found its Circe in Charlize Theron, as the actress joins a star-studded ensemble set to bring Homer’s epic to life. Theron’s involvement had long been the subject of speculation, and the confirmation now comes from the actress herself, who spoke about taking on the role of Circe.

Circe is a sorceress known for her brief romance with Odysseus and for transforming his men into pigs. Although not a central figure in the poem, she plays a key part in the Ithacan king’s journey home, offering guidance and warnings that help ensure his return. As a powerful figure in Greek mythology, Circe promises to be a significant presence in Nolan’s adaptation.

More details on Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey

Expand Tweet

Nolan shifts from physics to mythology in The Odyssey, his first film after Oppenheimer. This new project features an impressive cast and offers a fresh take on Homer’s epic. Scheduled for release on July 17, 2026, the film will be shot entirely on IMAX film with a reported $250 million budget.

Matt Damon stars as Odysseus, the clever, battle-weary king navigating gods, monsters, and his own inner struggles to reach home. It marks Damon’s first lead role in a Nolan film.

Reports suggest Tom Holland as Telemachus, Zendaya as Athena, and Anne Hathaway as Penelope, with Theron confirmed as Circe. Other cast members include Lupita Nyong’o (reportedly as Clytemnestra), Robert Pattinson, Elliot Page, Mia Goth, Jon Bernthal, Benny Safdie, Cosmo Jarvis, and Jesse Garcia.

With Ludwig Göransson composing the score and Hoyte van Hoytema capturing locations from Morocco to Sicily, The Odyssey aims to deliver a striking cinematic experience.