Greece is set to shine on the global stage as legendary director Christopher Nolan films his highly anticipated epic, The Odyssey, in the country’s breathtaking landscapes.
Academy Award-winning actor Matt Damon takes on the role of Odysseus, the legendary Greek hero from Homer’s Odyssey.
The film boasts a stellar Hollywood cast, including Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, and Charlize Theron, promising an unforgettable cinematic experience.
Greece: A Prime Destination for International and Hollywood Productions
In recent years, Greece has emerged as a top filming location, attracting major productions such as Glass Onion, The Expendables 4, and Knives Out 2.
The country’s breathtaking scenery, combined with government incentives, has positioned it as a favorite among international filmmakers.
Through initiatives like the Hellenic Film and Audiovisual Center – Creative Greece (EKKOMED), Greece has invested approximately €140 million in over 200 productions, strengthening its global presence in the film industry.
It is worth noting that since 2019, through EKOMED (National Center for Audiovisual Media and Communication) and subsequently with the new body Hellenic Film and Audiovisual Centre (HFAC) – Creative Greece, approximately 140 million euros have been invested in 211 projects, strengthening both international and domestic productions, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis stated in his established Sunday post on Facebook for the weekly report on the Government’s work.
50% of this funding concerns international productions, strengthening Greece’s position in the international film market, and the remaining 50% supported domestic artistic, film and television production.
What We Know About Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey”
Nolan’s adaptation is described as a “mythical action epic” and will bring Homer’s classic tale to the big screen in IMAX technology. Filming is set to begin in early 2025, with a scheduled release date of July 17, 2026.
While initial reports suggested filming locations of The Odyssey in the United Kingdom, Morocco, and various locations in Italy, including the Aeolian Islands in Sicily, recent updates indicate that production will take place too in Greece such as Nestor’s Cave and Voidokilia Beach in the Peloponnese.
The release of the first image featuring Matt Damon as Odysseus has generated significant buzz. However, some critics have pointed out historical inaccuracies in the costume design, noting that elements of the armor appear more Roman than Greek. Despite these critiques, many defend the creative liberties taken, arguing that artistic interpretation often prioritizes narrative and vision over strict historical accuracy.
Greece in the Global Spotlight
Even with part of the production moving to other locations, Greece remains central to this high-profile project. Nolan’s The Odyssey will showcase Greece’s rich mythology, stunning landscapes, and historical significance, further boosting tourism and solidifying the country’s role in global cinema.
As excitement builds, all eyes are on Greece and Nolan’s vision for one of the most anticipated films of 2026.