Christopher Nolan’s highly anticipated adaptation of Homer’s ancient Greek epic The Odyssey has dropped its latest trailer, and fans of the series are all saying the same thing.
The footage, released on Tuesday, gives audiences their most substantial look yet at Matt Damon’s portrayal of Odysseus, the legendary king of Ithaca, battling his way home after the Trojan War.
The $250 million (£185.5 million) blockbuster marks a historic first in cinema as it’s the first motion picture ever filmed entirely on Imax 70mm cameras.
However, it’s the accents of the actors and dialogue between the characters that have sparked instant debate online.
Screenshot from The Odyssey, official new trailer
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Viewers have taken to social media to mock the cast’s American accents, with many questioning why British actors like Tom Holland and Robert Pattinson are speaking like they’re from the States.
One critic wrote on X: “The American accent is very distracting, and I have no idea why a British director like Christopher Nolan didn’t choose proper British actors for an epic movie like this one.”
“If Mel Gibson could get the languages right so could Nolan,” said another.
A third added: “It will be unwatchable as a result. I’d rather watch it dubbed in Greek with English subtitles.”
Tom Holland takes on the role of Telemachus
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However, others defended the accents.
One fan penned sarcastically: “Everyone knows the ancient Greeks spoke with British accents…”
Another asked: “Why do British accents have dominion over everything?”
“What accent should they use instead? Doesn’t it make most sense to have everyone use one accent – whichever modern accent you choose?” asked another.
Matt Damon stars as Odysseus, who is the legendary King of Ithaca
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Others called out specific phrases as jarring, particularly Mr Holland’s character referring to his father as “dad” rather than “father,” and Mr Damon’s Odysseus shouting “let’s go!” while charging into battle.
“Saying ‘Dad’ kills the vibe. Should’ve said ‘My father is coming back home,'” one person commented, as another added: “Dad felt so odd.”
The film boasts an impressive A-list cast.
Anne Hathaway reunites with Mr Nolan to play Penelope, Odysseus’s devoted wife who must fend off suitors while holding Ithaca together during her husband’s 20-year absence.
Viewers of the trailer have called out the cast’s use of American accents
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Mr Holland takes on the role of Telemachus, the son who barely knows his father but fiercely believes he’ll return home.
Mr Pattinson plays Antinous, the arrogant lead suitor pursuing Penelope, while Zendaya appears as the goddess Athena, Odysseus’s divine protector throughout his perilous journey.
Charlize Theron portrays the sorceress Calypso, with the wider cast including Lupita Nyong’o, Jon Bernthal, Benny Safdie, and Mia Goth.
The Odyssey is the first motion picture ever filmed entirely on IMAX 70mm cameras
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Film experts have described the project as Mr Nolan’s most ambitious to date, marking his first venture into fantastical storytelling following the grounded tone of his The Dark Knight Trilogy.
The latest trailer showcases the Cyclops Polyphemus in terrifying detail, alongside violent storms, shipwrecks, and a host of mythological creatures, promising a sweeping, large-scale adventure.
However, the build-up to the trailer’s release was not without controversy.
In February, Elon Musk publicly criticised Mr Nolan, accusing the two-time Academy Award winner of compromising his artistic integrity amid debate surrounding his casting choices for The Odyssey.
Christopher Nolan
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The billionaire made the remarks on X as speculation circulated that Lupita Nyong’o could portray Helen of Troy in the direct adaptation of The Odyssey.
Mr Musk’s post read: “Chris Nolan has lost his integrity.”
While Ms Nyong’o does not appear in the official trailer, her involvement in the film has been confirmed, with multiple reports suggesting she will take on the role of Helen of Troy.
The Odyssey is set for worldwide release on July 17, 2026.