While critics are praising Christopher Nolan’s latest epic, many fans are still debating its casting, dialogue and faithfulness to Homer’s classic poem.

Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey is still days away from its theatrical release, but it’s already making waves.

Following the film’s world premiere in London on July 6, the first reactions from critics have been overwhelmingly positive. At the same time, social media has been buzzing with debates over the film’s casting, dialogue and how closely it stays true to Homer’s Odyssey.

Universal Pictures also took an unusual approach to the film’s rollout. Instead of holding the traditional influencer screenings that usually help build early hype online, the studio screened The Odyssey primarily for professional critics and journalists—a move many see as a sign of confidence in Nolan’s latest project.

Christopher Nolan (left) and cinematographer Hoyte van Hoytema on set

Christopher Nolan has become one of Hollywood’s most respected filmmakers, known for turning ambitious stories into major cinematic events. Films such as The Dark Knight trilogy, Inception, Interstellar and Oppenheimer have earned both critical acclaim and commercial success. His latest film follows that same path, with The Odyssey marking his first feature filmed entirely using IMAX cameras.

Based on Homer’s epic poem, the film follows Odysseus (Matt Damon) as he fights to return home after the Trojan War. Along the way, he faces mythical creatures, vengeful gods and impossible challenges before reuniting with his wife Penelope (Anne Hathaway) and son Telemachus (Tom Holland). The cast also includes Robert Pattinson, Zendaya, Lupita Nyong’o, Elliot Page, Charlize Theron and Jon Bernthal.

Critics are impressed

Early reviews suggest Nolan has delivered another ambitious epic.

Variety described the film as "an astonishing achievement" and "a triumphant, spectacular epic," praising its scale and performances.
Digital Spy called it "staggering," while Collider encouraged audiences to watch it in IMAX 70mm, describing it as a "jaw-dropping experience."

Across the first reactions, critics consistently praised the film’s visuals, large-scale action, production design and performances. Robert Pattinson, Samantha Morton, Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway and Tom Holland were among the cast members who received repeated praise.

Robert Pattinson as the villainous Antinous in Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey

Not every review was entirely positive. Some critics felt that a few of Nolan’s creative changes to the source material could divide longtime fans, but most agreed that the film delivers the kind of a breathtaking theatrical experience audiences have come to expect from the Oscar-winning director.

Fans have different concerns

While critics seem largely united, the online conversation has focused on something else entirely.

Much of the debate actually began months ago when the cast was announced and picked up again after the trailers were released.

One of the biggest talking points has been Lupita Nyong’o’s dual role as Helen of Troy and Clytemnestra. Some social media users questioned the casting, arguing that the legendary Greek queen should have been portrayed differently. Others defended the decision, saying the performance matters more than matching previous artistic depictions of the character.

Lupita Nyong’o takes on a powerful dual role in the upcoming mythic epic

Elliot Page’s casting as Sinon has also divided opinion. Although Sinon is known in classical literature for deceiving the Trojans into bringing the famous wooden horse inside the city, some users felt the casting didn’t fit their expectations of an ancient Greek epic. Others argued that Nolan should be free to reinterpret classic stories rather than simply recreate them.

Elliot Page brings the mythic Greek warrior Sinon to life

The film’s dialogue has also become a point of discussion. After watching the trailers, some fans argued that the adaptation doesn’t capture the tone of Homer’s poem as closely as they had hoped. They pointed to modern expressions such as "Dad" and "Let’s go," saying they sounded too contemporary for a story rooted in ancient Greece. While most didn’t expect the characters to speak Ancient Greek, some believed a more formal style of dialogue would have better reflected the source material.

Some viewers also questioned the film’s visual style, saying certain locations looked more like modern-day California than ancient Greece, despite production taking place in several countries, including Greece, Italy, Morocco, Iceland and Scotland.

Not everyone shared those concerns. Many fans welcomed Nolan’s interpretation, arguing that every adaptation brings its own creative vision. Others said the overwhelmingly positive critical response had only made them more excited to see the film, with Robert Pattinson’s performance becoming one of the most talked-about highlights.

Whether audiences agree with the critics or the skeptics remains to be seen. One thing is already clear, though: Christopher Nolan has once again managed to get people talking long before his latest film reaches theaters.

The Odyssey opens in cinemas on July 17.