Christopher Nolan’s highly anticipated adaptation of The Odyssey will take audiences to the stunning island of Favignana in Sicily, set to be a key location for filming part of the epic. The island, often called “Goat Island,” is believed by scholars to be the site where Homer envisioned Odysseus and his crew arriving to barbecue goats and gather supplies during their legendary journey.
Filming in Favignana, which is part of the Egadi archipelago off Sicily’s north-west coast, will begin in roughly two months. Nolan, known for his groundbreaking work in filmmaking, will use state-of-the-art Imax technology to bring this ancient tale to life. Sources also suggest that filming will take place in other iconic Sicilian locations, including the Eolian Islands, though Favignana will serve as the main setting for the film’s Sicilian scenes. Additional shooting will occur in the U.K. and Morocco.
The project, produced by Nolan and Emma Thomas under their Syncopy banner, will be distributed by Universal Pictures. The film will feature an impressive ensemble cast including Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Zendaya, Lupita Nyong’o, Robert Pattinson, and Charlize Theron, though their specific roles have not been disclosed.
Nolan’s The Odyssey will recount the epic journey of Odysseus, King of Ithaca, as he attempts to return home after the Trojan War. Along the way, he encounters various dangers and discovers the demise of his crew. The story will bring to life beloved characters from Greek mythology, including Odysseus’ wife Penelope, his son Telemachus, and gods like Athena, Circe, Poseidon, and Zeus.
Filming in Sicily is being handled by Italy’s Wildside, with Erik Paoletti serving as the Italian line-producer. Wildside previously handled the production of Edward Berger’s Conclave in Rome.
More updates on casting and plot details for The Odyssey are expected to be released in the coming months.