The Odyssey: All the big names starring in Christopher Nolan's highly anticipated movie, explored

Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey has an ensemble of a star-studded cast, including Matt Damon, Robert Pattinson, Anne Hathaway, Tom Holland, Lupita Nyong'o, Charlize Theron, Zendaya, Jon Bernthal, and Benny Safdie.

This epic action film is derived from one of the most important works of literature in Greek history, an epic titled The Odyssey, penned by Homer. Set in the aftermath of the Trojan War, the film follows the plot of Odysseus's experiences meeting with several mystical beings as well as reconnecting with his family.

Its synopsis, as per IMDb, goes as follows:

"Follows Odysseus in his perilous journey home after the Trojan War, showcasing his encounters with Polyphemus, the Sirens, Circe, and finishing with his reunion with his wife, Penelope."

Along with the literary significance and Christopher Nolan's incredible body of work, what also heightens the anticipation for the film is its promising cast. So many big names in the industry are a part of this project, and many stars from the ensemble film have previously worked with Nolan, and some of them are collaborating with the helmer for the very first time.

As of now, only Matt Damon's character in the film has been confirmed by the makers. Universal Pictures, which is handling the distribution of the film, has recently revealed on Instagram that the actor will be playing the primary lead, Odysseus.

Let us find out more about the star cast of The Odyssey.

The star cast of Christopher Nolan's upcoming film, The Odyssey

1) Robert Pattinson

Robert Pattinson | Image via YouTube/TheEllenShow

Robert Pattinson will be starring in The Odyssey. Even though Pattinson's role in the film has not yet been confirmed officially, as per Filmofilia, it is alleged that Pattinson will be essaying the role of Hermes. The obscure character of Hermes is integral in Odysseus's journey, as he serves as a catalyst to help him come back to his land.

This is not the first time Robert Pattinson and Nolan have worked together. The 2020 film Tenet saw the two collaborate, where Pattinson essayed the role of Neil. Other than the Nolan films, the Twilight saga star is also well known for his work in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005), High Life (2018), The Batman (2022), and Mickey 17 (2025), to name a few.

2) Anne Hathaway

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A frequent collaborator of Christopher Nolan, Anne Hathaway will star in this upcoming project as well. As per OneMan.com, Hathaway will likely portray Penelope, the wife of Matt Damon's Odysseus.

Before this film, The Devil Wears Prada star had acted in two of the Nolan films, including The Dark Knight Rises (2012) and Interstellar (2014). Apart from her work in the Nolan world, Hathaway is widely recognized for her work in The Princess Diaries franchise (2001, 2004), Alice in Wonderland (2010), Les Misérables (2012), The Intern (2015), and many more.

3) Lupita Nyong’o

Lupita Nyong'o also joins the star-studded cast of The Odyssey. As per ComicsBasics, rumors have been going around that the actor might play not one but two roles in the film: Clytemnestra and Helen of Troy.

An antithesis to the character of Penelope, Clytemnestra is the consort of King Agamemnon, who does not adhere to the traditional societal expectations placed on women. In contrast, Helen of Troy is one of the most important characters in relation to the Trojan War. As per Greek mythology, she is considered to be the most alluring woman ever.

Lupita Nyong'o is well known for her work in 12 Years a Slave (2013), the Star Wars films (2015, 2017, 2019), Black Panther (2018), Us (2019), Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022), A Quiet Place: Day One (2024), etc.

4) Benny Safdie

Benny Safdie will be a part of The Odyssey | Image via YouTube/UniversalPicturesUK

Filmmaker and actor Benny Safdie once again joins Nolan, after their collaboration on the 2023 film Oppenheimer. As per ComicBasics.com, Safdie is likely to play the role of Mycenae's King, Agamemnon, in The Odyssey. Husband of Clytemnestra, he was in charge of the Greek army during the Trojan War.

Apart from Safdie's roles in Nolan films, he has acted in Pieces of a Woman (2020), Licorice Pizza (2021), and Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret. (2023), to name a few.

5) Jon Bernthal

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The Punisher star Jon Bernthal will appear in the film, but we are not sure which role he will play. However, in the month of March this year, an X profile named @BestMovieMoments shared a leaked photo from the set of The Odysseus, featuring Bernthal and Tom Holland.

In the image, Jon Bernthal is seen in a completely different avatar. With his rugged, head-shaven, and bearded look, he might be playing an intimidating character.

Some of the other well-known acting credits of Bernthal include Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian (2009), The Walking Dead (2010-2012, 2018), The Wolf of Wall Street (2013), The Accountant film franchise (2016, 2025), King Richard (2021), Origin (2023), etc.

6) Charlize Theron

Charlize Theron will also be a part of The Odyssey | Image via YouTube/TheTonightShowStarringJimmyFallon

According to ComicBook.com, Charlize Theron might essay the role of Circe in The Odyssey. She is a goddess who is an exponent of magic and rituals.

Active since 1995, some of the most well-known works of Theron include The Devil's Advocate (1997), The Italian Job (2003), Monster (2003), Hancock (2008), Snow White and the Huntsman (2012), Prometheus (2012), Mad Max: Fury Road (2015), Tully (2018), Bombshell (2019), and many more.

7) Zendaya

A still from Dune: Part One, featuring Zendaya | Image via YouTube/Max

Dune star Zendaya is also on board for Nolan's upcoming magnum opus feature, The Odyssey. As per ComicBook.com, she might essay the role of Athena, the protector of Odysseus.

Zendaya is distinguished for her work in the Spider-Man films (2017, 2019, 2021), Euphoria (2019-present), Malcolm & Marie (2021), Challengers (2024), and many more.

8) Tom Holland

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Our very own Peter Parker will now also star in a Nolan movie! It is alleged that Tom Holland will play Odysseus's son Telemachus. He joins his father in slaughtering Penelope's suitors, who arrive at her doorstep when Odysseus is away.

The English actor is well known for his work in In The Heart of the Sea (2015), Captain America: Civil War (2016), A Monster Calls (2016), the Spider-Man films (2017, 2019, 2021), MCU's Avenger films (2016, 2018, 2019), Cherry (2021), and many more.

9) Matt Damon

And finally, Matt Damon will embody the central character, the King of Ithaca, Odysseus, in the film. As confirmed by a post by the official Instagram account of The Odyssey, Damon's look as Odysseus has also been revealed, where he is donning the attire of the heroic figure.

The Odyssey will be the third film by Matt Damon with Christopher Nolan, after starring in Interstellar (2014) and Oppenheimer (2023). Apart from these, Damon is best known for his roles in films including The Rainmaker (1997), Good Will Hunting (1997), Saving Private Ryan (1998), Dogma (1999), The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999), the Bourne film franchise (2002, 2004, 2007, 2016), The Departed (2006), Ford v Ferrari (2019), Air (2023), and many more.