It’s been known for several months that Christopher Nolan would soon announce his “Oppenheimer” follow-up, but details about what that follow-up would look like have been a long time coming. But now we know that the film will be a classic epic – in every sense of the word.

Nolan’s next feature film is titled The Odyssey and is a direct adaptation of the ancient Greek epic, one of the oldest works of popular literature. Universal Pictures, the distributor of “Oppenheimer” and the studio producing the upcoming film, officially announced the news on December 23rd via a post on X (formerly known as Twitter). Additionally, the tweet also confirmed the previously announced release date of July 17, 2026 and said the film will use “all-new IMAX technology,” but no further details were provided.

“Christopher Nolan’s next film ‘The Odyssey’ is a mythical action epic shot around the world using brand new IMAX film technology,” the tweet 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.”

“The Odyssey,” attributed to the Greek poet Homer, was written around the 8th century B.C.E. Written in 500 BC and tells the story of the Greek hero Odysseus and his long quest to return home after the Trojan War and reunite with his beloved wife Penelope. Featuring several iconic characters from Greek mythology – from the gods Athena and Posiden to the nymph Calypso and the sorceress Circe – the original story is one of the most iconic stories in literary history and is still widely taught and researched today.

Prior to the announcement, several stars had been announced for Nolan’s film, including Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Zendaya, Anne Hathaway, Lupita Nyong’o, Charlize Theron and Robert Pattinson. Who each star will play in the adaptation of the epic has not been announced.

“The Odyssey” will be Nolan’s 13th feature film. His latest, “Oppenheimer,” is one of his most acclaimed and successful, winning both Best Picture and Best Director and grossing $976.8 million worldwide. Nolan’s adaptation of The Odyssey is one of many filmed versions of the story; This year saw the release of “The Return,” an adaptation of the poem by Italian director Uberto Pasolini.