‘The Odyssey’ cast explained: Every main character in Christopher Nolan's epic

Christopher Nolan's ‘The Odyssey’ is bringing Homer's legendary tale to the big screen with one of the biggest casts of the year.

The story follows Odysseus' long journey home after the Trojan War, but the many gods, kings and mythical figures can be confusing if you're new to Greek mythology.

Here's a simple guide to the film's main characters and the actors playing them.

Matt Damon as Odysseus

Odysseus is the King of Ithaca and the central figure of the story. Celebrated for his intelligence and strategic thinking, he is credited with devising the famous Trojan Horse that helped end the Trojan War.

After the war, however, his greatest challenge begins. His journey back to Ithaca takes years as he battles monsters, storms, gods and impossible choices. At the heart of the story is a man trying to return home to his family while dealing with the consequences of his past actions.

Anne Hathaway as Penelope

Penelope is Odysseus' wife and the Queen of Ithaca.

Believing her husband may never return, many noblemen move into the palace hoping to marry her and claim the throne. Despite constant pressure, Penelope refuses to give up hope and becomes a symbol of patience, intelligence and resilience.

Christopher Nolan's adaptation is expected to explore her as a fully realised character rather than simply someone waiting for her husband.

Tom Holland as Telemachus

Telemachus is the son of Odysseus and Penelope.

His father left for war when he was still a baby, meaning he grows up knowing him only through stories. As the pressure on his family increases, Telemachus sets out on a journey of his own to learn what happened to his father.

His storyline serves as both a coming-of-age tale and an emotional parallel to Odysseus' journey.

Robert Pattinson as Antinous

Antinous is the most powerful and dangerous of Penelope's many suitors.

While waiting for Odysseus to be declared dead, Antinous lives inside the royal palace with the other suitors, consuming the kingdom's wealth and attempting to convince Penelope to marry him.

He also becomes a major obstacle for Telemachus, making him one of the story's principal villains.

Zendaya as Athena

Athena is the Greek goddess of wisdom, strategy and warfare.

Throughout the story, she watches over Odysseus, offering guidance when he needs it most. Rather than fighting battles herself, Athena often helps him through advice, encouragement and carefully timed interventions.

She is one of the most important divine figures in Homer's epic.

Lupita Nyong'o as Helen and Clytemnestra

Lupita Nyong'o takes on two roles in the film.

She plays Helen, Queen of Sparta, whose departure with Paris sparked the Trojan War, making her one of the most famous figures in Greek mythology.

She also portrays Clytemnestra, the wife of Agamemnon and Queen of Mycenae. Although the sisters share the same family, their lives take very different paths after the war.

Charlize Theron as Calypso

Calypso is a mysterious sea nymph who lives on the island of Ogygia.

During his journey, Odysseus spends several years on her island. Her relationship with him has been interpreted in many different ways over the centuries, making her one of the story's most debated characters.

John Leguizamo as Eumaeus

Eumaeus is Odysseus' loyal swineherd.

Even after many years without his king, he remains faithful and refuses to abandon hope. His unwavering loyalty makes him one of the most trusted allies Odysseus finds upon returning home.

Benny Safdie as Menelaus

Menelaus is the King of Sparta and husband of Helen.

He fought alongside Odysseus during the Trojan War. Later in the story, he shares what he knows about Odysseus' fate with Telemachus, helping the young prince understand more about his missing father.

Jon Bernthal as Agamemnon

Agamemnon is the King of Mycenae and commander of the Greek forces during the Trojan War.

As one of the most powerful rulers of his time, he played a key role in leading the Greek armies throughout the conflict.

Mia Goth as Circe

Circe is a powerful enchantress whose island becomes one of the many stops on Odysseus' journey.

Known for her magical abilities, she presents another major challenge that Odysseus and his crew must overcome before continuing their voyage.

Dev Patel as Eurylochus

Eurylochus serves as Odysseus' second-in-command.

He stands beside his leader through many of the expedition's greatest dangers, making him one of the most significant companions in the story.

Elliot Page as Sinon

Sinon is a veteran of the Trojan War.

Although he is not a major figure in Homer's Odyssey, he appears in later Greek and Roman mythology and is closely associated with the story of the Trojan Horse.

Himesh Patel as Polyphemus

Polyphemus is the fearsome Cyclops and the son of Poseidon.

One of the most memorable episodes in The Odyssey sees Odysseus and his men trapped inside the giant's cave, forcing them to rely on wit rather than strength to escape.

Samantha Morton as Eurycleia

Eurycleia is a trusted servant in the royal household of Ithaca.

She has cared for Odysseus and his family for many years and remains deeply loyal throughout the story.

Cosmo Jarvis as Eurymachus

Eurymachus is another of Penelope's suitors.

Like Antinous, he hopes to marry the queen and claim control of Ithaca while Odysseus is believed to be dead.

Jesse Plemons as Phemius

Phemius is the royal bard of Ithaca.

He entertains the palace with songs and stories and witnesses many of the events that unfold during Odysseus' absence.

One of the reasons ‘The Odyssey’ has remained relevant for nearly 3,000 years is its memorable characters. Heroes, villains, gods and ordinary people all shape Odysseus' journey in different ways.

Christopher Nolan's adaptation appears set to stay rooted in the emotional core of the ancient epic while bringing its legendary figures to a new generation of cinema audiences. With an ensemble cast led by Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway, Tom Holland, Zendaya and Robert Pattinson, the film is already one of the most anticipated releases of the year ahead of its theatrical release on 17 July 2026.

Once you know who's who, it's much easier to follow the twists, rivalries and relationships that have made ‘The Odyssey’ one of the greatest stories ever told