Universal Pictures offered a surprise first-look at Christopher Nolan’s next movie on Monday that doubled as confirmation that Matt Damon is indeed the lead in “The Odyssey.” Despite rumors that Tom Holland might be playing the mythic hero, Damon is playing Odysseus in Nolan’s adaptation, which is gearing up to roll cameras ahead of a July 2026 release.

The action epic, based on Homer’s epic poem, starts production this month and will be shot across the world using new IMAX technology.

Written in 8th century B.C., “The Odyssey” follows the 10-year journey of Odysseus as he tries to make his way home after the Trojan War, encountering trials, tribulations and literal monsters on his journey.

The stacked ensemble cast for Nolan’s adaptation also includes Holland, Robert Pattinson, Anne Hathaway, Zendaya, Lupita Nyong’o, Charlize Theron, John Leguizamo, Jon Bernthal, Benny Safdie, Mia Goth, Himesh Patel (“Station Eleven...