Charlize Theron Cast as Circe in Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey (2026)

Academy Award-winning actress Charlize Theron is officially joining the cast of Christopher Nolan’s highly anticipated adaptation of The Odyssey, and fans are already buzzing about her new role. In a recent interview Variety, Theron confirmed she will portray Circe, the powerful sorceress from Homer’s legendary epic — a role that promises intensity, magic, and danger.

🔮 Charlize Theron as Circe: A Perfect Fit

While speaking about the project, Theron revealed she hasn’t yet started filming but will begin in just a few weeks. Describing herself as “the new kid on the block,” she admitted feeling both excited and intimidated by stepping into the shoes of Circe — one of literature’s most complex mythological figures.

“I don’t know. I’m just going to talk to Chris about it and we’ll see where it goes,” she said, referring to director Christopher Nolan.

Circe is a significant figure in The Odyssey. Known as the goddess of sorcery, she famously traps Odysseus and his men on her island, transforming many of them into animals with enchanted food and wine. Eventually, she seduces Odysseus and holds him on her island for a year, before helping him continue his journey.

Given Theron’s past performances in films like Monster, Mad Max: Fury Road, and the Fast and Furious series, this casting seems like a natural evolution of her powerful on-screen presence.

🎬 What We Know About Nolan’s “The Odyssey”

Following the success of Oppenheimer, Christopher Nolan is diving into Greek mythology with an epic cinematic adaptation of Homer’s The Odyssey. Set to release on July 17, 2026, the film promises a blend of high-concept storytelling, sweeping visuals, and an all-star ensemble.

The film is being produced by Nolan’s own company Syncopy, with Universal Pictures distributing. The budget? A massive $250 million, making it Nolan’s most expensive project to date. It’s also the first large-scale production to be shot entirely with IMAX film cameras, signaling a truly immersive cinematic experience.

⭐ The Odyssey Star Cast

The confirmed cast for Nolan’s The Odyssey is nothing short of spectacular:

• Matt Damon as Odysseus, the brave king of Ithaca
• Tom Holland as Telemachus, his son
• Charlize Theron as Circe, the goddess of sorcery
• Anne Hathaway
• Zendaya
• Lupita Nyong’o
• Robert Pattinson
• Elliot Page
• Jon Bernthal
• Benny Safdie
• John Leguizamo
• Himesh Patel
• Mia Goth
• Corey Hawkins
• …and many more.

With such an ensemble and Nolan’s proven storytelling vision, The Odyssey is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious mythological films ever made.

🧭 The Story: A Hero’s Journey

The film will follow Odysseus on his treacherous journey home after the Trojan War. Audiences can expect iconic moments from the original epic, including his encounters with:

• The Cyclops Polyphemus
• The alluring and deadly Sirens
• And of course, Circe, played by Theron

While the original poem spans 24 “books” and covers a 20-year journey, Nolan’s adaptation will likely focus on major narrative arcs — with Circe’s island expected to be a central storyline.

🎥 Final Thoughts

Charlize Theron’s casting as Circe adds a new layer of intrigue to The Odyssey. Her comments reflect both humility and readiness to dive into a mythic role that requires power, charm, and complexity. With a legendary director like Christopher Nolan, a stacked cast, and an epic story, The Odyssey is set to redefine what modern mythological cinema can look like.

Mark your calendars for July 17, 2026 — this is one journey you won’t want to miss.