Christopher Nolan has compared Homeric epics to Marvel and DC, arguing that the ancient stories behind The Odyssey operate much like today’s superhero universes. The comparison also connects to his own career, especially The Dark Knight trilogy, which showed how deeply he understands large-scale mythmaking and the power of iconic characters.

Speaking on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Nolan pointed to the enduring influence of Homeric storytelling on today’s blockbuster landscape. He explained that the structure and themes of these ancient tales continue to echo through contemporary franchises, shaping how audiences connect with heroes and conflict.

“Even comic book culture, whether you’re talking about Marvel or D.C. or all the rest, a lot of it comes directly from the Homeric Epics,” Nolan said.

He went on to describe Homer as “the Marvel of its day,” emphasizing how mythological figures once served the same cultural role as modern superheroes.

That perspective aligns with the scale of his upcoming film. Featuring Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, and Robert Pattinson, The Odyssey is positioned as a sweeping interpretation of a story that has influenced generations. Nolan also likened Homer to George Lucas, reinforcing the idea that large-scale storytelling has always carried a sense of shared universe.

This came right after viewers just got a new glimpse of the world he is building in The Odyssey in its new trailer.

A mythic spectacle built for modern cinema

Universal has rolled out a new look at Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey, giving audiences their clearest sense yet of the film’s scale and tone. The footage leans heavily into mythic spectacle, with Matt Damon’s Odysseus confronting the Cyclops while Robert Pattinson appears in a hostile role as Antinous, a suitor determined to seize control of Ithaca.

The trailer also confirms that Nolan is embracing the poem’s supernatural side rather than treating it like a straightforward historical drama. The cast is one of the project’s biggest selling points, and the new preview makes that ambition obvious. Anne Hathaway plays Penelope, Tom Holland appears as Telemachus, Zendaya takes on Athena, and Charlize Theron plays Calypso, while several other major names fill out the world of the epic.

The trailer first screened during The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, underscoring how central the film is to Universal’s summer rollout. With Nolan writing and directing his 13th feature, the studio is clearly positioning it as an event film built for large-format presentation.

What do you think about Nolan’s take on Homer as the original superhero storyteller? Let us know in the comments.

Written by

Pratham Gurung

Edited by

Hriddhi Maitra