Christopher Nolan’s new film, The Odyssey, currently screening in cinemas, offers a modern interpretation of Homer’s ancient Greek epic. The story follows the hero Odysseus as he attempts to return home from the Trojan War—a journey that originally should have taken two weeks but extended to ten years due to mythical challenges such as vengeful gods, sirens, and a one-eyed Cyclops. The film provides a fresh lens on this timeless narrative, blending adventure with elements of fantasy.

Coinciding with the movie’s release, historian Dan Snow has produced a mini-series podcast as part of his History Hit platform that explores the historical and mythical dimensions of The Odyssey. Snow examines the blurred lines between fact and fiction in the story and retraces the possible routes Odysseus might have taken across the Mediterranean Sea. His investigation includes visits to various islands that are believed to have inspired the original Greek poet.

The podcast also addresses ongoing debates about the existence of Homer himself—whose name means “hostage” in Greek—highlighting how much about the epic and its origins remains uncertain. Snow’s series features discussions with leading scholars, including Dame Mary Beard, who he encountered at the premiere of Nolan’s film. Together, they offer insights that help contextualize the epic’s significance while engaging listeners in an accessible way.

Starring Matt Damon as Odysseus, Nolan’s The Odyssey merges epic storytelling with contemporary filmmaking, inviting audiences to revisit an ancient tale through a modern perspective. The accompanying podcast enhances the experience by unpacking the layers of myth and history embedded in the story, providing a comprehensive resource for those interested in both the cinematic and scholarly interpretations of this classical work.