A few weeks back, there was a report that Christopher Nolan had tested “The Odyssey” at AMC Universal CityWalk in 70mm. A handful of bigwigs were there, including Universal bosses, and also Chris’ brother, Jonathan Nolan.
Regardless, Jonathan is now confirming he’s seen a completed cut of “The Odyssey” and, being the good little brother that he is, has some strong praise for his bro’s latest effort.
“I’m not working on The Odyssey,” he tells CinemaBlend. “I have seen ‘The Odyssey.’ It’s tremendous. It’s an incredible achievement. … I was fascinated by The Iliad and The Odyssey when I was younger, and I had some fun conversations with Chris about where he’s taking it. It’s a spectacular film.”
Pressed on whether he’s seen a completed version of the film, the younger Nolan replied, “I’m not sure I’m supposed to say that, but yes, it’s tremendous.”
Of course, Chris’ brother wouldn’t speak negatively of “The Odyssey,” no matter how great or ill-conceived the finished product turns out to be, but the bigger lede for me here is that the film is nearing a state of completion.
Just to give a refresher, the film shot for nearly eight months and wrapped in August 2025, giving it more than 11 months for post-production. If anything, based on crew accounts, the film was completed ahead of schedule, with a budget in the $250M range.
Nolan works fast and uses a ton of practical effects, so it shouldn’t come as much of a surprise that his upcoming epic, entirely shot with IMAX cameras, has already been assembled into a full cut in the editing room. I wouldn’t be surprised if the cut we finally see this summer is practically the same one Jonathan saw.
The Odyssey hits theaters on July 17 from Universal Pictures.