‘The Odyssey’ is a fantasy film based on the ancient Greek epic poem of the same name by Homer. The movie reimagines one of the greatest stories ever told, following Odysseus’ legendary journey home after the Trojan War. Christopher Nolan’s visionary storytelling and striking cinematic scale bring the timeless tale to the big screen. Shooting took place across a series of spectacular real-world locations. The brilliant cinematography transports viewers back to the age of Greek mythology, where rugged coastlines and ancient landscapes recreate the mythical world of gods and monsters.
‘The Odyssey’: Cast, plot and trailer
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‘The Odyssey’ features a talented ensemble including Matt Damon (Odysseus), Anne Hathaway (Penelope), Tom Holland (Telemachus), Robert Pattinson (Antinous), Lupita Nyong’o (Helen of Troy and Clytemnestra), Zendaya (Athena), Benny Safdie (Agamemnon), Jon Bernthal (Menelaus), Charlize Theron (Calypso), John Leguizamo (Eumaeus), Himesh Patel (Eurylochus), Mia Goth (Melantho), and Bill Irwin (Polyphemus the Cyclops). The film also features a cameo by Travis Scott, who plays a bard.
‘The Odyssey’ follows the legendary Greek king Odysseus (Matt Damon) on his perilous ten-year journey home to Ithaca after the Trojan War. Adapted from the ancient Greek epic poem of the same name by Homer, the film chronicles Odysseus’ struggle to reunite with his wife, Penelope (Anne Hathaway), and son, Telemachus (Tom Holland). Along the way, he faces mythical creatures, vengeful gods, and countless trials that test his courage, resilience, and fate.
‘The Odyssey’ is one of mythology’s greatest tales of adventure and survival. It made its theatrical debut on July 17, 2026.
Why did Christopher Nolan film on location?
Christopher Nolan’s decision to film ‘The Odyssey’ on location reflects his long-standing commitment to creating a sense of realism on screen. Rather than relying heavily on digital environments, Nolan often uses real locations, large-scale sets and in-camera techniques to give his films a tangible quality. The sweeping dunes, dramatic landscapes and centuries-old architecture provided a natural backdrop that enhanced the film’s grand scale.
‘The Odyssey’ filming locations
Greece
According to the Hellenic Film Commission, shooting for ‘The Odyssey’ took place against the dramatic natural scenery of the Peloponnese region. The production shot the Cyclops sequences at Nestor’s Cave. Filming also took place at the crescent-shaped shores of the Voidokilia Beach, Almyrolaka Beach, Methoni Castle, and the hilltop fortress of Acrocorinth. The Greek Ministry of Culture granted the crew filming authorisation for March and April 2025, with strict preservation rules in place to protect the sites.
- How to reach: Athens International Airport is approximately 189 km away from the Peloponnese region.
Italy
Italy’s southern islands served as the backdrop for some of the film’s most striking sequences. Sicily and its surrounding archipelagos stood in for several key locations from Homer’s epic. Favignana served as the island where Odysseus and his crew stopped to rest and gather supplies before encountering the Cyclops. Its turquoise waters and rugged coves added visual depth to the film’s narrative. The Castle of Santa Caterina was used for clifftop sentry scenes. The production also moved to the volcanic Aeolian Islands of Lipari, Vulcano, and Basiluzzo, which doubled as Aeolia in ‘The Odyssey’.
- How to reach: Vincenzo Bellini Catania-Fontanarossa Airport is approximately 47 km away from Sicily.
Morocco
Morocco’s distinct settings brought the ancient world of ‘The Odyssey’ to life on screen. The Ksar of Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site near Ouarzazate, was used to portray the city of Troy. Its mud-brick buildings and fortified walls beautifully complemented the film’s historic storyline. Several scenes were also shot in Marrakesh, Essaouira, and Tahanaoute before the cast and crew moved down south to the Atlantic coastline near Dakhla for additional coastal scenes.
- How to reach: Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport is approximately 227 km away from Marrakesh city centre.
Scotland
Shooting for ‘The Odyssey’ continued in another standout location, Scotland, where windswept coastlines and ancient ruins provided a stunning backdrop. The Moray Firth Coast, a 500-mile inlet known for its rugged sea stacks and striking cliffs, featured in the film. The production also shot some sequences at Findlater Castle and in Culbin Forest, whose dense woodlands added a raw atmosphere to the story. Together, these Scottish landscapes evoked the timeless charm of Homer’s legendary tale.
- How to reach: Inverness Airport is approximately 31 km away from Moray Coast Trail.
Iceland
Christopher Nolan chose the country’s remote volcanic landscapes to bring this pivotal moment to life when Odysseus descends into the realm of the dead to seek counsel from the blind prophet Tiresias. Shooting for ‘The Odyssey’ took place across standout locations including the black sand beaches and caves of Hjorleifshöfði Mountain, the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, the Markarfljót river and the harbour at Landeyjahöfn, whose stark scenery added an otherworldly atmosphere to the sequence.
- How to reach: Keflavík International Airport is approximately 50 km away from Reykjavík city centre.
Malta
Another location where filming for ‘The Odyssey’ took place is the Mediterranean island nation of Malta. Its ancient landscapes and coastal scenery provided a fitting backdrop for the film. Known for its rugged cliffs, historic sites and natural formations, Malta has long attracted filmmakers seeking locations with a timeless atmosphere. The distinct landscapes created a setting that perfectly complemented the mythical scale of Homer’s epic journey.
- How to reach: Malta International Airport is approximately 9 km away from Valletta city centre.
(Feature image credit: IMDb)
This piece first appeared on Travel + Leisure.
Note : The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
