Christopher Nolan’s ‘The Odyssey’ Expands Star-Studded Cast as Benny Safdie Joins Epic Adaptation

Benny Safdie and Christopher Nolan Getty Images

Following their collaboration on Oppenheimer, Christopher Nolan and Benny Safdie are reuniting for another ambitious project. Safdie has officially joined the ensemble cast of Nolan’s adaptation of The Odyssey, one of the most revered works of ancient literature. Set to be released by Universal on July 17, 2026, the film is already shaping up to be one of the most anticipated cinematic events of the decade.

Safdie’s role in The Odyssey marks a significant return to high-profile acting following his critically praised performances in Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret and Licorice Pizza. While best known for co-directing Uncut Gems and Good Time with his brother Josh, Safdie has steadily built an acting résumé that includes collaborations with some of cinema’s most revered auteurs.

His involvement in The Odyssey adds yet another major project to his growing slate. Later this year, Safdie will make his solo directorial debut with A24’s The Smashing Machine, a biopic about MMA fighter Mark Kerr starring Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt. He has also recently wrapped filming on Happy Gilmore 2, where he co-stars alongside Adam Sandler.

With The Odyssey set to begin production next month, Safdie joins an already powerhouse ensemble cast featuring Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong’o, and Charlize Theron. This star-studded lineup, combined with Christopher Nolan’s signature cinematic craftsmanship and groundbreaking IMAX technology, sets the stage for what promises to be an unforgettable adaptation of Homer’s legendary epic.

Universal first confirmed The Odyssey last month, revealing that the adaptation would utilize groundbreaking IMAX film technology to bring Homer’s mythic saga to life like never before.

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“Christopher Nolan’s next film, The Odyssey, is a mythic action epic shot across the world using brand new IMAX film technology,” the studio announced. “The film brings Homer’s foundational saga to IMAX film screens for the first time and opens in theaters everywhere on July 17, 2026.”

The Odyssey, composed in the 8th century BCE, is one of the cornerstones of Western literature. The epic poem follows Odysseus, the King of Ithaca, as he embarks on a perilous journey home following the Trojan War. Along the way, he faces legendary obstacles, including the Cyclops Polyphemus, the enchantress Circe, and the bewitching Sirens, all while battling divine forces that seek to thwart his return. The story is an enduring meditation on heroism, fate, cunning, and perseverance.

For Nolan, The Odyssey represents a departure from the historical dramas and mind-bending thrillers that have defined much of his career. Yet, with its themes of time, destiny, and human resilience, the story feels like a natural fit for the visionary filmmaker.

Following the massive critical and commercial success of Oppenheimer, which grossed nearly $1 billion at the global box office and earned Nolan his first Academy Award for Best Director, expectations are sky-high for The Odyssey. The 2026 release date aligns with Nolan’s signature mid-July launch window, which has proven to be a prime slot for his films, including The Dark Knight, Inception, Dunkirk, and Tenet.

The combination of an all-star cast, Nolan’s cinematic craftsmanship, and the enduring power of Homer’s epic makes The Odyssey a guaranteed must-see. As production gears up and details about casting and character roles continue to emerge, anticipation for Nolan’s latest masterpiece is only growing.

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