As anticipation builds for Christopher Nolan's upcoming film The Odyssey, scheduled for Summer 2026, fans should consider watching a pivotal war movie from 2004 that sets the stage perfectly. Nolan’s project stars a stellar cast including Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, and Zendaya, promising an epic production on par with his previous successes like Oppenheimer.
The Odyssey follows the renowned ancient epic, which can be seen as a sequel to the story of the Trojan War, originally told in Homer's Iliad. Understanding the basics of the Trojan War enriches the experience of Nolan’s film.
For viewers not ready to tackle the extensive ancient texts, the 2004 movie Troy offers a compelling visual introduction to the Trojan War. Though it takes some creative liberties, it captures the essential dynamics of the story effectively.
"For anyone who's into war epics like Gladiator and Braveheart or just wants to get a bearing on the story of the Trojan War before The Odyssey, I strongly encourage looking past Troy's mixed reviews and giving this one a shot."
Author's summary: Watching the 2004 film Troy is a smart way to understand the Trojan War narrative before Nolan's much-anticipated adaptation of The Odyssey releases in 2026.