Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey is already being described as one of the biggest cinematic events of 2026, and it is not just the scale of the film that has caught attention. With a star-studded cast featuring Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Zendaya, Anne Hathaway, Robert Pattinson, Charlize Theron and more, fans are now curious about another big question — who earned the most for bringing Homer’s legendary world to life?
The epic is reportedly mounted on a massive $250 million budget and was filmed across six countries using custom IMAX 70mm cameras. While assembling such a powerful ensemble could have meant huge talent costs, reports suggest several actors agreed to comparatively lower upfront salaries to be part of Nolan’s ambitious vision.
According to a report by Netflix Junkie, Matt Damon reportedly received the highest base salary among the cast members. However, it is important to note that the reported figures have not been officially confirmed by Universal Pictures or the actors.
Matt Damon (Odysseus)
Leading Nolan’s Greek epic as Odysseus, Matt Damon is said to have earned around $4-5 million as his upfront salary. While the amount is considered significant, it is reportedly much lower than the actor’s usual Hollywood pay scale, where he can command much higher fees for major studio projects.
Taking on the role of the legendary King of Ithaca, Damon will lead the story of a warrior’s dangerous journey home after the Trojan War.
Zendaya (Athena)
Zendaya, one of Hollywood’s biggest young stars, reportedly earned around $5 million for playing the role of Athena. The Euphoria and Dune star’s addition to Nolan’s cast created huge buzz, especially as fans wait to see her take on a character from Greek mythology.
Anne Hathaway (Penelope)
Anne Hathaway’s collaboration with Nolan continues with The Odyssey after their previous projects including The Dark Knight Rises and Interstellar. Reports suggest she received a salary in the range of $4-5 million for portraying Penelope, Odysseus’ loyal wife.
Tom Holland (Telemachus)
Playing Telemachus, the son of Odysseus, Tom Holland is reportedly among the younger stars who accepted a lower upfront fee for Nolan’s epic. His reported salary is said to be around $3.5-4 million. Known globally for his role as Spider-Man, Holland’s presence has added another layer of excitement to Nolan’s ambitious adaptation.
Charlize Theron (Calypso)
Charlize Theron is reportedly among the highest-paid supporting cast members, with estimates suggesting she earned between $5 million and $7 million for playing Calypso. The Oscar-winning actor joins an ensemble that also includes Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong’o, Elliot Page, Jon Bernthal, Benny Safdie and Mia Goth.
