Watch the Director's This Epic Trailer in a Manner It Wasn't Meant to Be Seen.
The acclaimed filmmaker's mythic action epic, The Odyssey, is a film audiences have been anticipating since its announcement. It easily ranks among the most hotly anticipated motion pictures coming next year. In a festive surprise, a trailer has finally arrived, though it's hampered due to the platform's low-quality encoding—maybe illustrating the director's choice to restrict the preview exclusive to cinemas.
A First Glimpse of the Stellar Ensemble
The debut footage showcases Matt Damon in the role of the king of Ithaca. Audiences are introduced to Tom Holland playing the son and Anne Hathaway as Penelope. In a poignant moment, the character pleads with her husband to vow his safe homecoming, only for him to look up and question what happens if he cannot. Furthermore, the preview provides a brief, shadowy glimpse of the mythical one-eyed giant, from whom sheep are Odysseus and his crew steal during their arduous journey.
Based upon a cornerstone of Western literature, The Odyssey follows the lengthy quest undertaken by the famed ruler. After his triumph at Troy, as told in Homer's Iliad, Odysseus endures an extended and hazardous road home.
Mythical Encounters and a Star-Studded Lineup
On his travels, Odysseus confronts countless challenges and mythical beings. This roster features the enchantress Circe, known for turning humans into pigs, and the deceptive Sirens. Despite these trials, Odysseus vows to do whatever it takes to get back to his wife and son on his home island.
This film's ensemble boasts an impressive lineup. Alongside the leading trio is Charlize Theron as the cunning Circe, alongside Zendaya, Lupita Nyong'o, Robert Pattinson, Elliot Page, and Jon Bernthal.
A Story Repeatedly Told
Homer's epic has seen many reinterpretations over the years. Examples include contemporary versions to a 1999 ballet. There has even been adapted into a musical titled Epic: The Musical, released in the form of a multi-part album series.
A full-length preview has been highly anticipated following the project's reveal and a short teaser clip which was initially shown exclusively in theaters. That footage later made its way online shortly thereafter.
To see a clearer version, the trailer posted on the film's official social channel might deliver a better, clearer look.
The Odyssey will debut on global IMAX screens next summer.