The Odyssey is a mythological action, adventure, and epic drama film directed and written by Christopher Nolan, based on the ancient Greek epic poem by Homer. The movie stars Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Robert Pattinson, Charlize Theron, Zendaya, Lupita Nyong’o, and several other well-known actors. The film takes audiences on an unforgettable journey across breathtaking real-world locations, making it one of Christopher Nolan’s biggest productions to date. Basic film details are based on IMDb.
After the Trojan War, the legendary King Odysseus begins a dangerous journey back to his homeland of Ithaca. Along the way, he faces terrifying creatures, powerful gods, deadly storms, and impossible challenges while his family waits for his return.
The Odyssey was released on July 17, 2026, via Universal Pictures.
Table of Contents
When and Where Was Universal Pictures’ The Odyssey Filmed?
| Film Name | The Odyssey |
|---|---|
| Genres | Action, Adventure, Epic, Fantasy |
| Filming Locations | Greece, Italy, Morocco, Scotland, Iceland, Malta, Western Sahara, California (USA) |
| Filming Dates | February 2025 – August 2025 |
| Cinematography by | Hoyte van Hoytema |
| Release Date | July 17, 2026 |
Principal photography for The Odyssey began in February 2025 and wrapped in August 2025. Christopher Nolan filmed across multiple countries using real locations instead of relying heavily on CGI. The production traveled through Greece, Italy, Morocco, Scotland, Iceland, Malta, Western Sahara, and California, making it one of the largest location shoots of Nolan’s career. The movie also became the first feature film shot entirely with brand-new IMAX cameras, giving audiences an incredibly realistic cinematic experience.
📍Methoni Castle, Messenia, Greece
Methoni Castle became one of the most important filming locations in The Odyssey. This stunning 13th-century Venetian fortress, surrounded by the sea, was transformed into Odysseus’ palace in Ithaca. Many scenes involving Penelope and the suitors waiting inside the kingdom were filmed here. The castle’s ancient walls and coastal setting perfectly matched the world described in Homer’s epic.
📍Acrocorinth, Corinth, Greece
The massive hilltop fortress of Acrocorinth provided the backdrop for several royal palace sequences. Its ancient stone walls and commanding views helped recreate the kingdoms of ancient Greece. Christopher Nolan selected this historic location because it already looked like a legendary city without needing extensive visual effects.
📍Voidokilia Beach and Nestor’s Cave, Greece
One of Greece’s most famous beaches appears throughout the movie. The horseshoe-shaped shoreline and nearby Nestor’s Cave were used for some of Odysseus’ most memorable adventures. Reports indicate that scenes involving Athena and the terrifying Cyclops Polyphemus were filmed here, taking advantage of the area’s dramatic natural landscape.
📍Pylos and the Messenia Region, Greece
Several additional outdoor scenes were filmed around the historic town of Pylos and other parts of the Messenia region. These coastal landscapes helped establish the ancient world and served as important travel locations during Odysseus’ journey.
📍Favignana, Egadi Islands, Italy
Favignana, often linked with the legendary “Goat Island” from Homer’s story, became one of the production’s largest filming sites. Christopher Nolan filmed around the towering Castello di Santa Caterina, which sits high above the island. Transporting equipment to the castle was extremely challenging, with helicopters carrying cameras and supplies while cast and crew hiked to the location. The island’s rugged cliffs and crystal-clear waters gave the film an authentic Mediterranean feel.
📍Aeolian Islands, Italy
The volcanic islands of Lipari, Vulcano, Salina, and Basiluzzo provided spectacular scenery for the mystical parts of the story. The smoking volcanoes, black-sand beaches, and dramatic coastlines helped create the magical world of Circe and other mythical locations visited by Odysseus. The production also used the surrounding waters for large maritime sequences.
📍Aït Benhaddou, Morocco
The famous UNESCO World Heritage Site of Aït Benhaddou doubled as the ancient city of Troy. Its centuries-old mud-brick buildings and fortified walls made it the perfect setting for scenes connected to the legendary Trojan War. This historic village has also appeared in many famous historical films over the years.
📍Marrakech, Morocco
The production spent time filming in Marrakech, including the modern Royal Theatre, where several interior scenes were completed. The city also served as a base for filming across nearby regions.
📍Essaouira, Morocco
The beautiful Atlantic port city of Essaouira was used for several seaside sequences. Its historic harbor and coastline helped recreate the ancient Mediterranean world while providing dramatic ocean views.
📍Ouarzazate, Morocco
Additional scenes were filmed around Ouarzazate, a city often called the “Hollywood of Morocco.” Its desert landscapes and historic architecture blended perfectly with the movie’s ancient setting.
📍Dakhla and the White Dune, Western Sahara
Some of the film’s most visually striking scenes were shot at the spectacular White Dune near Dakhla. Matt Damon and Zendaya were spotted filming here during production. The white sand meeting the Atlantic Ocean created an unforgettable backdrop for scenes featuring Odysseus and Athena.
📍Findlater Castle, Scotland
The dramatic ruins of Findlater Castle stand on cliffs overlooking the Moray Firth. Nolan used this historic fortress to portray parts of Ithaca, giving the kingdom a powerful and mysterious atmosphere.
📍Buckie Harbour, Scotland
Buckie Harbour became one of the production’s busiest filming locations. A full-sized Viking-style ship called Draken Harald Hårfagre was docked here for several large-scale sea sequences. Local residents watched as cast and crew spent days filming around the harbor.
📍Cullen, Portsoy, Sunnyside Beach and Culbin Forest, Scotland
Several additional locations across the Moray Coast helped bring Odysseus’ voyage to life. The rugged coastline, sandy beaches, and dense forests created beautiful settings for travel scenes and mythical encounters.
📍Ireland
Although fewer production details have been released, Ireland’s rugged coastlines and green landscapes were also used for certain scenes. The country’s natural beauty fit perfectly with the mythical atmosphere of the story.
📍Hjörleifshöfði Beach, Iceland
The black volcanic sands of Hjörleifshöfði Beach were used for scenes connected to the underworld. Nolan reportedly chose Iceland because its remote landscape felt completely different from the warm Mediterranean world of Ithaca.
📍Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Markarfljót River, Sydra Skogarnes and Landeyjahöfn, Iceland
Several remote Icelandic locations appear throughout the film. Rivers, glaciers, volcanic mountains, and isolated coastlines helped create mysterious islands and supernatural settings encountered during Odysseus’ journey.
📍Gozo, Malta
The island of Gozo provided another memorable location for filming. Production took place around Calypso’s Cave near Xagħra, a place traditionally connected with the legend of Calypso in Greek mythology. Malta’s coastal scenery also supported additional water-based sequences.
📍Universal Studios, Los Angeles, California
Not every scene could be filmed outdoors. Controlled sequences were completed on Stage 12 and at Falls Lake inside Universal Studios. The massive outdoor water tank allowed the crew to safely film complex ship scenes that would have been difficult on the open ocean.
📍Sony Pictures Studios, Culver City, California
Stages 9 and 27 at Sony Pictures Studios were used for interior sets and other scenes requiring complete production control. These soundstages completed the final phase of filming before post-production began.
The Odyssey Behind the Scenes
Christopher Nolan spent nearly seven months filming across multiple continents with a crew of around 500 people. Instead of relying on digital environments, he chose real castles, beaches, deserts, forests, volcanic islands, and coastlines to make the journey feel as authentic as possible. The production became one of the largest location shoots ever attempted for a modern epic.
The cast and crew also shared several behind-the-scenes photos and videos during production on Instagram.
For more information about other shooting locations, stay tuned to this post. We will continue updating it as new filming details become available.
Is there any trailer available for The Odyssey?
Yes. The official trailer for The Odyssey was released on Universal Pictures‘ YouTube channel.
The Odyssey is set to be released on July 17, 2026, via Universal Pictures, IMAX, and theaters worldwide.
FAQs
Q1: Where was The Odyssey filmed?
A1: The Odyssey was filmed across Greece, Italy, Morocco, Scotland, Iceland, Malta, Western Sahara, Ireland, and California (USA) between February and August 2025.
Q2: What scenes were filmed at Methoni Castle in The Odyssey?
A2: The Odyssey used Methoni Castle as Odysseus’ palace in Ithaca, where many scenes featuring Penelope, Telemachus, and the suitors were filmed.
Q3: When did filming for The Odyssey begin?
A3: Filming for The Odyssey began in February 2025 and officially wrapped in August 2025 after a seven-month international production.
Q4: Can I visit The Odyssey filming locations?
A4: Yes. Many The Odyssey filming locations, including Methoni Castle, Voidokilia Beach, Favignana, Aït Benhaddou, Findlater Castle, and Calypso’s Cave in Malta, are open to visitors. Always check local visitor guidelines before planning your trip.
The Odyssey is one of Christopher Nolan’s most ambitious films, taking audiences on an incredible journey through some of the world’s most beautiful real-life locations. From the ancient castles of Greece to the volcanic islands of Italy, the deserts of Morocco, the cliffs of Scotland, and the dramatic landscapes of Iceland, every destination helps bring Homer’s legendary adventure to life. The decision to film almost entirely on location gives the movie an authentic and breathtaking visual style that perfectly matches the scale of this timeless epic.
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