Lupita Nyong’o’s Stunning First Look in ‘The Odyssey’ Finally Revealed
A first look at Lupita Nyong’o as Clytemnestra in The Odyssey has been revealed, and it is already getting a lot of attention.
The Odyssey is written and directed by Christopher Nolan. It is an epic fantasy action movie based on Homer’s ancient Greek poem The Odyssey. The movie follows Odysseus, the king of Ithaca, as he tries to return home after the Trojan War. During his journey, he faces many dangers and mythological creatures while trying to get back to his wife Penelope.
The cast is very large and includes Matt Damon as Odysseus, Anne Hathaway as Penelope, Tom Holland as Telemachus, Robert Pattinson as Antinous, Zendaya as Athena, and Charlize Theron as Calypso. Lupita Nyong’o plays a dual role in the film, including Helen of Troy and Clytemnestra. Benny Safdie appears as Agamemnon.
Clytemnestra is a key figure in Greek mythology. She is the queen of Mycenae and the wife of Agamemnon. Her story is known for betrayal, revenge, and tragedy. In many versions of the myth, she becomes involved in Agamemnon’s death after he returns from the Trojan War. She is often shown as a powerful and deeply emotional character, shaped by grief and anger after losing her daughter Iphigenia. Because of this, she is one of the most complex figures in Greek myth, not just a simple villain or victim.
In The Odyssey, Lupita Nyong’o’s version of Clytemnestra is expected to connect to this wider mythological world that Nolan is building. The film also features Benny Safdie as Agamemnon, which directly ties into her storyline.
Christopher Nolan is producing the film with Emma Thomas through their company Syncopy. According to production information, Nolan started writing the film in March 2024 and later secured the project with Universal Pictures in October of the same year. The movie was officially announced in December.
Casting took place between late 2024 and early 2025. Matt Damon was confirmed as Odysseus in February 2025. The film is said to be inspired by Homer’s original epic, but also influenced by the 2017 translation by Emily Wilson and classic visual storytelling from Ray Harryhausen.
Filming happened across many countries including Morocco, Greece, Italy, Scotland, Iceland, Western Sahara, Malta, and also in Los Angeles. The production is reported to have a budget of around 250 million dollars, making it one of Nolan’s biggest films. It is also said to be shot fully on IMAX 70 mm cameras.
The Odyssey is planned for theatrical release in the United States on July 17, by Universal Pictures. It will also release in IMAX formats.
The story follows Odysseus as he travels through dangerous lands filled with creatures like Cyclops, sirens, and gods. At the same time, the film also shows what is happening back home in Ithaca, where Penelope waits and struggles with pressure from suitors.
With Lupita Nyong’o playing Clytemnestra, the film is expected to explore the darker side of Greek mythology as well, especially the parts connected to war, revenge, and family tragedy.
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