The speculation about Christopher Nolan’s next film is over. Universal announced Monday that Nolan will adapt The OdysseyHomer’s epic poem describing Odysseus’ journey home after the Trojan War.

“Christopher Nolan’s next film ‘The Odyssey’ is a mythical action epic shot around the world using brand-new IMAX film technology,” the studio said. “The film brings Homer’s quintessential saga to IMAX theater screens for the first time and opens in theaters everywhere on July 17, 2026.”

Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong’o, Anne Hathaway and Charlize Theron star.

Nolan has tackled period pieces before, including the Best Picture winner Oppenheimerwhich told the story of the creation of the atomic bomb, and The prestigean adaptation of Christopher Priest’s novel about two rival magicians set against the backdrop of 1890s London.

But The Odyssey is a significant change for the filmmaker. Homer’s epic poem dates from the 8th century BC. BC and tells of gods, goddesses and monsters – the kind of material that had previously been foreign to Nolan’s work. Still, the filmmaker tackled a lot of fantastic material, including making Batman believable for post-9/11 audiences and bringing realism to science fiction concepts like shared dreams beginning and intergalactic travel in Interstellar.

The epic poem has been adapted several times, including for the lead role of Kirk Douglas Ulyssespublished in 1954 and with. It has also inspired other films, including the Coen brothers’ film. O brother, where are you?published in 2000.

Nolan began his year by winning his first Oscars in his decades-long career Oppenheimerwhich earned him awards for Best Film and Best Director. Nolan ended it with another honor: he was officially knighted by King Charles in a ceremony last week.