For his latest film, Christopher Nolan is turning to one of the greatest stories ever told: Homer's epic poem The Odyssey. A release date of 1 July 2026 is currently in place.
The ancient Greek poem charts Odysseus' (King of Ithaca) decade-long journey home to his wife and son after helping the Greeks win the Trojan War in Sparta. Along the way, himself and his crew encounter cyclopes, sirens, deities and sorceresses.
Filming the adaptation has also proven to be an epic journey in itself, with a packed ensemble cast, the world's largest modern-day Viking ship and a filming schedule that's likely to take around six months. From the beaches of Southern Greece and Sicily to an ancient Scottish castle – and even the glaciers of Iceland – here are all the filming locations.
Where is The Odyssey filmed?
Filming for The Odyssey took place around the world, including Morocco, Greece and Scotland's Moray coast. Production is expected to take place between February-summer 2025.
Sicily
Sicily, particularly the island of Favignana, was used as a principle filming location. Sicily has a longstanding connection with The Odyssey, as although specific locations aren't named, Sicily is thought to be Homer's inspiration for the land where Odysseus encounters the Cyclopes.
The Aeolian Islands are also expected to feature, including Basiluzzo, Lipari and Vulcano.
Morocco
Production for The Odyssey also moved to Morocco – in particular Marrakech, Tahanaoute, El Haouz, Essaouira and Dakhla.
The historic ksar of Aït Benhaddou, in Ouarzazate province, is also rumoured to be used as the city of Troy in the film. Ridley Scott's Gladiator II was also filmed here, with its sunbaked scenery standing in for the Mediterranean.
Greece
Naturally, filming took place in Greece – specifically the Peloponnese region in Southern Greece. The Hellenic Film Commission confirmed that filming occurred at Nestor’s Cave, Voidokilia Beach, Almyrolaka Beach, Methoni Castle and Acrocorinth.
Scotland
Yes, you read that right – filming for the Greek epic took place on Scotland's Moray coast. Findlater Castle is a ruinous castle perched on the clifftops, and cast and crew were pictured filming there. Constructed in the 1200s, it remains a significant piece of medieval Scottish history and connected to Clan Ogilvy.
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Videos of the nearby Sunnyside Beach has shown the sandy stretch transformed with the wrecks of Grecian ships – suggesting that Odysseus actually finds himself washed up on 'Scottish' shores.
— THE ODYSSEY Updates (@ChrisNolanMedia) June 30, 2025
Culbin Forest is also touted to be a filming location, as Forestry and Land Scotland posted a notice on its website that the area around Buckie Loch (as well as a car park) would be closed in June and July 2025 – which lines up with production schedules.
The world's largest Viking ship to be built in modern times, the Draken Harald Hårfagre, was also pictured arriving in Buckie Harbour after docking in Inverness.
Iceland
In summer 2025, filming moved to Iceland, with some cast and crew being spotted in Reykjavík. If Nolan used a Viking ship for filming in Scotland, then more may be used for filming around Iceland. Travel magazine Stuck In Iceland suggests that Landeyjahöfn, the Highlands of Iceland and even glacial areas will be used for filming – suggesting that Nolan's Odysseus will travel far and wide on his way home.
Discover where more of your favourite films and TV shows are filmed, such as
- Where is House of the Dragon filmed? A guide to the epic fantasy drama's stunning filming locations
- Where was Harry Potter filmed? Our guide to the Harry Potter film locations
- Where is Outlander filmed? A guide to the compelling historical drama's filming locations
Main image: Matt Damon in The Odyssey. Credit: Universal Pictures
