‘Odysseus’ TV Series Is Coming From The Team Behind ‘Stranger Things’ And ‘Halo’
A new TV series based on the legendary Greek hero Odysseus is officially moving forward, bringing another version of the famous myth to screens. The project comes separately from Christopher Nolan’s recently released epic The Odyssey and is being developed as an independent European-American production.
According to Deadline, Greek company Tanweer Productions, which distributed Nolan’s The Odyssey in Greece, is producing the new series from Athens. The show is being developed alongside U.S. production companies Tectonic and USATV, with a team that includes several experienced names from television and film.
One of the biggest names attached is Karl Gajdusek, who previously served as showrunner and executive producer on the first season of Netflix’s hit series Stranger Things. Gajdusek will lead the project as showrunner, helping shape a darker and more grounded version of the famous Greek legend.
The pilot episode was written by Sean Finegan, Scott Windhauser, Noah Lang, and Blake Hoss. The team is aiming to begin filming early next year, with production expected to take place in Greece and Armenia.
Unlike many fantasy-focused adaptations of Greek mythology, this Odysseus series is being described as a much more realistic and historical take. The creators want to explore the actual world that may have inspired Homer’s famous story, focusing on the violence, politics, and struggles of the Bronze Age.
The series is described as “visceral, and muscular – the real Bronze Age world of blood, ships, betrayal, and characters trying to survive the era that inspired Homer’s epic.” The story will reportedly explore the collapse of the ancient world and the events that eventually became the foundation for Greek mythology.
In Greek mythology, Odysseus is the king of Ithaca and the central figure of Homer’s The Odyssey. He is known for his intelligence, strategy, and his long journey home after the Trojan War. While the myth is filled with monsters, gods, and supernatural events, the new series appears interested in exploring the human side of the legendary warrior.
Director Roel Reiné has also joined the project. Reiné has experience with historical and action-heavy stories, having worked on projects such as Black Sails, Washington, and Paramount+’s Halo. His background suggests the series will focus heavily on large-scale action while maintaining a realistic tone.
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The creative team hopes the show can grow beyond a single season and potentially become a larger universe based around ancient Greek history and mythology.
Gajdusek explained the vision behind the project, saying, “There’s something huge about taking on this epic story in the most grounded and realpolitik way we can.” He added that while Homer’s journey works as a metaphor, the series wants to focus on the real people behind the legend.
“We get to take the audience backstage, meet the Bronze Age flesh and blood characters that birthed the spectacle, and live with their true story,” Gajdusek said.
Producer Jordan Dykstra also shared excitement about the long development process, explaining that the team has been working on the idea for nearly five years.
“Our desire is to bring to audiences an authentic and thrilling portrayal of ancient Hellenic Greece,” Dykstra said.
With a strong creative team, international production plans, and a focus on historical realism, Odysseus is shaping up as a very different take on one of the world’s oldest stories. While Nolan’s The Odyssey brings the legendary hero to the big screen, this upcoming series aims to explore the man and the world behind the myth.
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