Christopher Nolan’s upcoming film, The Odyssey, has generated significant buzz with its star-studded cast, which includes several actors from the acclaimed series The Walking Dead. This adaptation of Homer’s ancient Greek epic will feature Matt Damon in the lead role of Odysseus, chronicling his arduous journey home to Ithaca following the Trojan War. With an impressive production budget of $250 million, this film marks Nolan’s most expensive project to date, allowing him to assemble a remarkably talented ensemble.
Nolan’s collaboration with Damon began with Oppenheimer and Interstellar, making Damon the first actor cast in The Odyssey. The film’s roster soon expanded to include notable names such as Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong’o, and Charlize Theron, creating one of the most exciting movie casts in recent memory. Among these celebrated actors are five veterans from The Walking Dead, each set to take on intriguing roles in this ambitious project.
Corey Hawkins and Other Walking Dead Connections
Corey Hawkins first gained recognition for his role as Heath in the sixth season of The Walking Dead. His character mysteriously disappeared during a storyline set in Oceanside, as Hawkins moved on to other projects, including Kong: Skull Island and BlacKkKlansman. In February 2025, Deadline reported that Hawkins had officially joined the cast of The Odyssey, although details regarding his character remain undisclosed.
Another familiar face, Josh Stewart, featured in the four-part web series The Walking Dead: Cold Storage. In this series, he portrayed Chase, who sought refuge in a storage facility during the early days of the apocalypse. Stewart has previously collaborated with Nolan on films like Interstellar and The Dark Knight Rises. His involvement in The Odyssey marks a continuation of their partnership, though his role in the upcoming film has yet to be revealed.
Ryan Hurst is also returning to the screen as a former Walking Dead character, having played Beta, a pivotal member of the Whisperers during seasons 9 and 10. In March 2025, The Hollywood Reporter confirmed his casting in The Odyssey, but like his fellow cast members, details of his character are still under wraps.
Notable Cast Additions and Anticipation
The casting of Samantha Morton promises a reunion of the Whisperers, as she portrayed Alpha in The Walking Dead. Morton’s character became infamous for her chilling leadership style, and her involvement in The Odyssey could further elevate the film’s profile. Recognized for her extensive work in the British film industry, Morton joins a cast that includes other actors like Elliot Page and Himesh Patel, both of whom have previously collaborated with Nolan.
The standout among the Walking Dead alumni is undoubtedly Jon Bernthal. He gained popularity for his role as Shane Walsh in the early seasons of the series, later achieving further acclaim through projects such as The Wolf of Wall Street and Sicario. Bernthal is expected to play a significant role in The Odyssey, as indicated by his appearances alongside Tom Holland’s character, Telemachus, in the film’s teaser.
With a release date set for July 17, 2026, The Odyssey promises to be a landmark film for both Nolan and the cast, particularly for those transitioning from The Walking Dead. Bernthal and Holland are also expected to reunite in the MCU’s Spider-Man: Brand New Day shortly after the film’s premiere, creating a thrilling year for fans of both franchises.
As anticipation builds for Nolan’s new adaptation, the inclusion of these talented Walking Dead actors adds an intriguing layer to what is shaping up to be a remarkable cinematic experience.