Remember that epic poem you struggled through in high school? Christopher Nolan is bringing it to the big screen with a cast that reads like a Hollywood who's who. The Odyssey follows the hero Odysseus on his harrowing 10-year journey home after the Trojan War, battling monsters and gods while his family fights to protect his kingdom. It's a story of survival, loyalty, and the psychological toll of war—perfect for the director of Oppenheimer and Inception.
Nolan's adaptation has fans buzzing, especially after the trailer dropped. But who's playing whom? Here's the confirmed cast so far, with a focus on named characters. (Elliot Page's role remains unconfirmed, and other stars like Corey Hawkins, Jesse Garcia, and Sean Avery are still under wraps.)
Matt Damon as Odysseus
The titular role goes to Matt Damon, who told Time he approached it like it might be his last movie. "There aren't a lot of people in their mid-50s as protagonists in these epics," he said. Odysseus is the cunning king of Ithaca, known for his intellect and hubris. Damon, reuniting with Nolan after Oppenheimer, could be looking at another Oscar nomination.
Jon Bernthal as Menelaus
Jon Bernthal plays King Menelaus of Sparta, brother of Agamemnon and husband of Helen. The actor, known for The Punisher and The Bear, praised Nolan and the bonds formed on set. Menelaus is a mentor to Odysseus's son, Telemachus, and reveals his father's whereabouts. Bernthal also stars with Tom Holland (Telemachus) in Spider-Man: Brand-New Day.
Mia Goth as Melantho
Mia Goth, the scream queen of the Pearl trilogy, plays Melantho, a palace maid who betrays Queen Penelope. Melantho is the sister of the disloyal goatherd Melanthius and meets a grim end. Goth told Fandango she's excited to swap horror for epic storytelling.
Jimmy Gonzales as Cepheus
Jimmy Gonzales (Mayans M.C.) plays Cepheus, one of Odysseus's shipmates who is killed by the Cyclops Polyphemus. In myth, Cepheus is also the king of Ethiopia, husband to Cassiopeia, and father of Andromeda.
Other confirmed cast members include Anne Hathaway as Penelope, Zendaya as Athena, Tom Holland as Telemachus, Lupita Nyong'o as Calypso, and Robert Pattinson as Eurymachus. The film also features Benny Safdie, Charlize Theron, and more. For more on the casting controversy, check out Lupita Nyong'o and Elliot Page Casting Sparks 'Odyssey' Outrage.
Nolan's The Odyssey is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated films of the year. With a cast this stacked, it's no wonder fans are eager to see how the director tackles this ancient epic. For more on Nolan's past work, read Why Christopher Nolan's Batman Trilogy Is Still the Best Action Binge on HBO Max.
