With Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey in development, casting decisions and production details have become major discussion points in the industry. Reports reveal that Nolan initially wanted Robert Downey Jr. for the role of Poseidon, but scheduling conflicts with Avengers 5 prevented it. As the film moves forward with a star-studded cast, speculation about character roles and Nolan’s vision for the adaptation continues to grow.
Robert Downey Jr. could have been Poseidon in The Odyssey if he wasn’t Doctor Doom
Christopher Nolan is directing an adaptation of The Odyssey and is “staying super faithful to the original story,” according to Daniel Richtman.
Richtman stated, “He’s determined to use as many practical effects, real sets, and as much makeup work as possible.” Nolan reportedly wanted Robert Downey Jr. for the role of Poseidon but was unable to cast him due to the actor’s commitment to Doomsday.
Richtman added, “He wanted RDJ to play Poseidon, but he’s too busy with Doomsday to make it happen.” Nolan is currently fully invested in The Odyssey but has ideas for another large-scale epic following this project.
Universal Pictures confirmed The Odyssey as “a mythic action epic shot across the world using brand-new IMAX film technology.” The studio announced that The Odyssey will debut in IMAX for the first time and release on July 17, 2026. Odysseus and his crew journey home after the Trojan War, facing threats such as the Cyclops Polyphemus, the Sirens, and Circe.
Christopher Nolan officially cast Matt Damon as Odysseus. The ensemble includes Tom Holland, Charlize Theron, Anne Hathaway, Lupita Nyong’o, Robert Pattinson, Zendaya, Jon Bernthal, Benny Safdie, John Leguizamo, Elliot Page, and Mia Goth. Reports suggest that Holland may portray Odysseus’ son, Telemachus.
Filmmakers have adapted The Odyssey multiple times. Giuseppe de Liguoro directed a silent film version in 1911, and Kirk Douglas starred in the 1954 adaptation Ulysses. The Coen Brothers also based their 2000 film O Brother, Where Art Thou? on the epic.
Other adaptations include the 2024 film The Return starring Ralph Fiennes and the 1980s anime Ulysses 31. In 2015, Hugh Jackman was in talks for a separate Odyssey adaptation by Lionsgate and director Francis Lawrence. However, the project did not move forward.
Originally reported by Anubhav Chaudhry on SuperHeroHype.
