Christopher Nolan Nearly Directed Brad Pitt’s Troy Before Odyssey

Christopher Nolan is set to release his highly anticipated film The Odyssey on July 17, 2026, but his connection to ancient Greek mythology extends back nearly two decades. In a recent interview with Empire magazine, Nolan revealed that he was originally slated to direct the 2004 epic film Troy, which starred Brad Pitt as Achilles.

According to Nolan, he was hired by Warner Bros. for the project but lost it to director Wolfgang Petersen when the studio decided to return the film to Petersen after he had developed it. Nolan expressed regret about not being able to explore that world, stating it had been on his mind for a long time, particularly certain imagery such as the iconic Trojan horse.

While Petersen’s Troy went on to achieve significant financial success, grossing nearly $500 million worldwide on a budget of $175 million, it received mixed reviews. The film garnered a 53% critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes, with audiences appreciating its entertainment value but lamenting the absence of the supernatural elements present in Homer’s original stories.

Nolan, who gained recognition for directing the psychological thriller Memento, went on to become one of Hollywood’s most bankable directors after the release of Batman Begins in 2005. His interest in Greek mythology did not begin with Troy; he recounted a childhood experience that shaped his appreciation for these timeless narratives. “I remember seeing a school play of Ulysses when I was five or six years old,” Nolan shared. “The older kids were doing it. I remember the Sirens and him being strapped to the mast.”

As Nolan gears up for The Odyssey, excitement is palpable. The film features a star-studded cast, including Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Jon Bernthal, Zendaya, Anne Hathaway, and Mia Goth. IMAX screenings for the film have already sold out a year in advance, positioning it as one of the most significant theatrical releases of 2026.

Nolan’s adaptation will explore the epic journey of Odysseus as he navigates the challenges of returning home to Ithaca after the Trojan War, a story that serves as a sequel of sorts to The Iliad. This narrative foundation has influenced countless films and stories over the years, making it a pivotal part of cinematic history.

With The Odyssey, Nolan aims to deliver a fresh perspective on this classic tale, and his longstanding passion for the material promises an engaging and thought-provoking experience for audiences worldwide. As anticipation builds, it remains clear that Nolan’s directorial vision will leave an indelible mark on the landscape of mythological storytelling in cinema.