After the successful collaboration with Oppenheimer, director Christopher Nolan has brought back actor Benny Safdie for his upcoming major project, The Odyssey. Safdie, widely recognized for his work with his brother Josh in the directing duo known as the Safdie Brothers, will be part of the ensemble cast in Nolan’s adaptation of the ancient Greek epic.
Sources have confirmed Safdie’s casting to Deadline, although Universal, the studio behind the film, has yet to make an official announcement. Safdie will join an already stellar cast that includes Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong’o, and Charlize Theron.
Universal announced last month that Nolan’s next film would be a monumental adaptation of The Odyssey. Described as a “mythic action epic,” the movie will bring Homer’s timeless tale to the big screen in a groundbreaking format.
The film will be shot using state-of-the-art IMAX technology, offering audiences a visually immersive experience. Universal emphasized the project’s scale in a statement, saying, *“Christopher Nolan’s next film, *The Odyssey, is a mythic action epic shot across the world using brand-new IMAX film technology. It will bring Homer’s foundational saga to IMAX screens for the first time.”
Scheduled for release on July 17, 2026, The Odyssey promises to be a cinematic event of unprecedented proportions.
The Timeless Tale of The Odyssey
One of the most iconic works of Western literature, Homer’s The Odyssey, tells the story of Odysseus, the King of Ithaca, and his perilous journey home after the Trojan War. Along the way, Odysseus encounters divine forces, mythical creatures like the Cyclops Polyphemus, and the seductive Sirens.
The narrative explores themes of heroism, loyalty, intelligence, and perseverance, culminating in Odysseus’ long-awaited reunion with his wife, Penelope.
In addition to his role in The Odyssey, Benny Safdie will star in Happy Gilmore 2, co-starring with Adam Sandler. He is also preparing for the release of his directorial debut, The Smashing Machine, a biopic of MMA fighter Mark Kerr. The film, which also features Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt, will be released later this year by A24.
The Odyssey marks Nolan’s second project with Universal following the success of Oppenheimer, his 2023 Oscar-winning drama about the creation of the atomic bomb. The collaboration underscores Nolan’s ability to tackle diverse genres while maintaining his signature storytelling and technical brilliance.
