Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey has received a very surprising rating from the MPA. The rating may disappoint younger fans excited for the mythological epic.
What MPA rating has Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey received?
The Odyssey has officially received an R rating from the Motion Picture Association. The specific reasons behind the classification have not yet been revealed (via Variety). Given that it’ll be a mid-summer release, a PG-13 rating would have potentially invited a bigger audience.
The Odyssey will be Nolan’s third R-rated movie, after Oppenheimer and 2002’s Insomnia. However, it’s unlikely the rating will hinder the film’s box office collections. Oppenheimer, despite its R rating and three-hour runtime, grossed almost $1 billion worldwide. Notably, The Odyssey will be Nolan’s second-longest film.
As for the film’s R rating, it’s likely tied to the story’s mature and violent themes. In Homer’s Odyssey, the narrative includes cannibalistic giants, adultery, and other potentially disturbing elements.
The Odyssey is one of Nolan’s most important films, veering into supernatural territory. The presence of the Greek pantheon of gods will be depicted via the physical environment. The film has been positioned as the pinnacle of lead actor Matt Damon’s career and has also saved Tom Holland’s upcoming Spider-Man: Brand New Day. Holland may also have spoiled the film’s climax already.
The Odyssey stars Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Robert Pattinson, Anne Hathaway, Mia Goth, Lupita Nyong’o, Charlize Theron, Elliot Page, Benny Safdie, Jon Bernthal, Himesh Patel, Bill Irwin, Samantha Morton, Jesse Garcia, Will Yun Lee, Corey Hawkins, Josh Stewart, Jimmy Gonzales, Maurice Compte, and more.
The Odyssey is written and directed by Nolan. He also produced the film Emma Thomas for Syncopy. The movie is executive produced by Thomas Hayslip.
The Odyssey releases in theaters on July 17, 2026.
