From Matt Damon as Odysseus to Travis Scott as the Bard: Who plays who in Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey?

Before Christopher Nolan's IMAX epic The Odyssey arrives in theatres, here's a look at the key characters who shape the film. Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey is based on Homer's ancient Greek epic and follows the Greek king Odysseus on his long, perilous journey home after the Trojan War. Shot entirely on IMAX film cameras across Morocco, Greece, Italy, Iceland, and Scotland, the film releases on July 17, 2026. The cast is one of the biggest assembled in recent Hollywood history.

Matt Damon plays Odysseus, the Greek king of Ithaca. After the Trojan War, he attempts to return home to his wife and son but faces a relentless string of mythical obstacles and dangers along the way. Damon previously worked with Nolan on Oppenheimer and Interstellar.

Anne Hathaway plays Queen Penelope of Ithaca, Odysseus's wife and mother of Telemachus. She waits for her husband's return while stalling suitors who claim Odysseus is dead and seek to take the crown. Hathaway previously worked with Nolan on The Dark Knight Rises and Interstellar.

Tom Holland plays Telemachus, Odysseus's son and the prince of Ithaca. He is just as worried about his father's return as his mother and must defend their crown and land from those who seek to usurp the missing king.

Zendaya plays Athena, the goddess of wisdom, warfare, and handicraft, who protects Odysseus throughout his journey. Athena is one of the most pivotal figures in the original poem, acting as Odysseus's divine protector from start to finish.

Lupita Nyong'o plays a dual role as Helen of Troy and her sister Clytemnestra. Helen is described in Greek mythology as the most beautiful woman in the world and the figure blamed for starting the Trojan War.

Charlize Theron plays Calypso, a nymph from the island of Ogygia who tries to keep Odysseus as her immortal husband. In Homer's poem, Odysseus spends seven years on Calypso's island before the gods intervene. Theron's role is considered one of the more layered female parts in the film.

Samantha Morton plays Circe, a witch and goddess from the island of Aeaea, where Odysseus and his men visit hoping to find shelter and food. What they find instead is far more disturbing. According to reviews, Morton's scene is one of the more visually striking moments in the film, combining practical effects with makeup to unsettling effect.