Corey Hawkins has been cast in The Odyssey, Christopher Nolan’s adaptation of Homer’s epic poem for Universal Pictures. He joins a star-studded ensemble that includes Zendaya, Lupita Nyong’o, Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Robert Pattinson, Benny Safdie, Charlize Theron, Himesh Patel, Elliot Page, Bill Irwin, Samantha Morton, Jesse Garcia, Will Yun Lee, and Mia Goth.
The Odyssey follows the journey of Odysseus, the King of Ithaca, as he struggles to return home after the Trojan War. Along the way, Odysseus encounters numerous mythical challenges, from facing the Cyclops Polyphemus to resisting the Sirens’ deadly song and navigating the witch-goddess Circe. The story, rich with themes of heroism, cunning, loyalty, and the struggle against divine forces, remains one of the most enduring works of Western literature.
Nolan’s adaptation is set to be a mythic action epic shot with cutting-edge IMAX cameras. The film will release on July 17, 2026, a date that aligns with Nolan’s favored summer window for past blockbusters like The Dark Knight, Inception, and Oppenheimer.
This is not the first time Homer’s The Odyssey has been adapted for the screen. Previous iterations include the 1997 miniseries starring Armand Assante and Greta Scacchi, as well as loose interpretations like the Coen Brothers’ O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000), which reimagines the story in Depression-era America.
Hawkins continues to build an impressive resume. Most recently, he starred in Malcolm Washington’s Netflix film The Piano Lesson. His upcoming projects include Amazon MGM’s Crime 101, season 2 of Poker Face, and Hulu’s thriller The Man in My Basement, where he also serves as an executive producer.
The Odyssey promises to be a grand spectacle with a powerhouse cast and Nolan’s signature filmmaking style, bringing one of literature’s greatest adventures to life on the big screen.