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Empire, which is spotlighting The Odyssey as part of its mega 2026 preview, shared two new stills from the movie. The first gives viewers their first look at Anne Hathaway and Mia Goth. Hathaway is confirmed to be playing Penelope, the wife of Odysseus, while Goth portrays Melantho, one of the family’s maids. The second image is of Tom Holland as Odysseus’ son Telemachus. Holland was prominently featured in the Odyssey teaser that played exclusively in theaters over the summer, so this is the first officially released look at Holland. Check out the images below:
Odysseus’ Family Plays a Key Role in The Odyssey
While The Odyssey is about Odysseus’ long and grueling journey back home following the Trojan War, the story’s scope extends well beyond his personal journey. Penelope and Telemachus are key figures in Homer’s original text; in fact, the first four books of The Odyssey are told from the perspective of Telemachus, so his individual arc should be a big part of the film. When The Odyssey was in production earlier this year, set photos showed Holland filming scenes on a boat, potentially for scenes depicting Telemachus sailing out to Pylos as he begins his own quest to find his father. It remains to be seen what changes Nolan made to The Odyssey for his adaptation, but Telemachus’ mission looks like it will be a primary subplot.
Hathaway should also have a meaty role in The Odyssey. As Odysseus is trying to get back home, Penelope is dealing with her own problems. With her husband presumed dead, there are a number of suitors vying for Penelope’s affection, though she is reluctant to remarry, hoping Odysseus will eventually return. Showcasing Hathaway and Goth in the same image together feels like a deliberate choice on Universal’s part, laying the foundation for this part of the sprawling narrative. Without getting into spoilers, Melantho and Penelope have a rich dynamic in Homer’s poem, which should be very compelling to watch on screen.
