PremiumChristopher Nolan’s The Odyssey’s budget to be 1.5 times more of Oppenheimer’s $100 Million and we can only imagine the scale - Find out more
Christopher Nolan is right now working on the adaptation of Homer’s The Odyssey and the little birdies claim that he might be up to making something even bigger than Oppenheimer.
The Odyssey To Be Made On Over Double The Oppenheimer Budget
Last Updated: 02.24 PM, Jan 14, 2025
The world is eager to know what Christopher Nolan is working on next. His adaptation of The Odyssey has already sparked jokes about him casting real monsters and having his star-studded cast deal with them on set. Considering the director who blew up a real plane, it’s not far-fetched to imagine he might search for lifelike monsters if they exist. Humor aside, the anticipation for Nolan’s approach and the scale of this film is enormous. Reports suggest that it will surpass Oppenheimer in scope, with a budget 1.5 times higher, ensuring a production of epic proportions.
The Odyssey Budget Surpasses Oppenheimer
Indeed, Oppenheimer, one of 2023’s biggest films, was made on a massive $100 million budget. It marked Nolan’s transition from Warner Bros. to Universal, becoming an almost billion-dollar global box office hit and a multi-Oscar-winning project. Now, as Nolan sets out to adapt The Odyssey, Universal is reportedly investing 150% more than Oppenheimer, making the budget a staggering $250 million. With a director like Nolan, known for grand visuals and intricate storytelling, this investment reflects the scale he envisions. If we see real monsters in the 2026 release, it’s clear no expense was spared.
What Is The Odyssey?
For those needing a refresher, Homer’s The Odyssey is a cornerstone of global literature. Composed between 750-650 BCE, it’s a 24-book epic following Odysseus, King of Ithaca, over a decade as he journeys home after the Trojan War. The tale is filled with perilous adventures and poignant discoveries, a narrative ripe for Nolan’s distinctive interpretation. Whether the director opts for a straightforward period drama or introduces his signature twist remains a mystery. Details on the plot or how the star-studded cast fits into the main six characters are yet to be revealed.
The Cast
So far, Nolan has assembled an impressive cast for The Odyssey. It includes Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Zendaya, Lupita Nyong’o, Robert Pattinson, and Charlize Theron. Damon recently worked with Nolan on Oppenheimer and appeared in Interstellar. Pattinson starred in Tenet, while Hathaway collaborated on Interstellar and The Dark Knight Rises. This blend of returning collaborators and fresh faces raises expectations for the film.
Filming and Release
Although no confirmed details exist, filming is set to begin in 2025, with production spanning long schedules. Tom Holland and Zendaya are slated to balance shooting for Spider-Man 4 alongside this project, with both films releasing a week apart in 2026. Nolan is expected to utilize groundbreaking IMAX filming technology, continuing his legacy as a leading IMAX advocate after Oppenheimer, Dunkirk, Tenet, and Interstellar. Written and produced by Nolan and Emma Thomas, The Odyssey is set to release on July 17, 2026—a date consistent with Nolan’s tradition of July premieres, including Oppenheimer, Dunkirk, Inception, and The Dark Knight. Stay tuned to OTTplay for more updates on this and everything from the world of cinema and streaming.