Cultural Impact of Nolan's Film
Christopher Nolan's film adaptation of The Odyssey is generating significant cultural discussion and anticipation prior to its theatrical release.
1The Sunday Daily
What’s Epic About the ‘Odyssey’? Everything.
Natalie Kitroeff discusses the enduring appeal of the ancient poem with translators and authors Emily Wilson and Madeline Miller.
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What’s Epic About the ‘Odyssey’? Everything.
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What to know before you press play.
Enduring Resonance of the Poem
The episode examines why a nearly 3,000-year-old, 12,000-line poem continues to feel relevant to modern audiences.
2Expert Perspectives
Emily Wilson, the first woman to translate the Odyssey from ancient Greek, and Madeline Miller, author of Circe and Song of Achilles, provide modern interpretations.
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Keep the question moving.
“How does Emily Wilson's translation differ from previous versions?”
“What themes in The Odyssey resonate with modern readers?”
“How does Christopher Nolan's film interpret the original poem?”
Background reading
The context behind the episode.
Context
The Odyssey in Modern Media
The release of Christopher Nolan's cinematic interpretation has sparked online discussions about the epic poem, highlighting its continued cultural significance.
1Questions
Questions to carry into the episode.
Why does The Odyssey remain relevant today?
The episode explores the reasons why the nearly 3,000-year-old poem still feels resonant to contemporary audiences.
2Who are the experts discussed in the episode?
The episode features Emily Wilson, a classicist and translator, and Madeline Miller, an author of modern Greek classic interpretations.
356What is the context for this discussion?
The discussion coincides with the release of Christopher Nolan's film adaptation of The Odyssey.
1Experts
Voices named in the source.
Sources and disclosure
Where this guide comes from.
This listening guide is based on the episode 'What’s Epic About the ‘Odyssey’? Everything.' from The Daily, published on 2026-07-12.
- Publisher show notes
This Friday, “The Odyssey,” directed by Christopher Nolan, hits theaters. Even before the movie’s release, though, it’s proving to be a cultural event. Spirited discussions of Nolan’s cinematic interpretation of the epic poem already abound online, and they are likely to intensify after the public sees the film.
- Publisher show notes
Why does a 12,000-line poem that is nearly 3,000 years old still feel resonant today?
- Publisher show notes
In this episode of “The Sunday Daily,” Natalie Kitroeff talks about the “Odyssey” with two writers who have produced some critically acclaimed and widely read modern interpretations of Greek classics: Emily Wilson, the first woman to translate the “Odyssey” from ancient Greek, and Madeline Miller, the author of the best-selling novels “Circe” and “Song of Achilles.”
- Publisher show notes
On Today’s Episode:
- Publisher show notes
Emily Wilson, a professor, classicist, author and translator of the “Odyssey”
- Publisher show notes
Madeline Miller, the author of “Circe,” “Song of Achilles” and other books
- Publisher show notes
Background Reading:
- Publisher show notes
We’ll Help You Find Your Next Great Book. (Spoiler: It’s the ‘Odyssey.’)
- Publisher show notes
The First Woman to Translate the ‘Odyssey’ Into English
- Publisher show notes
Book Review: Turning Circe Into a Good Witch
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Photo: Melinda Sue Gordon/Universal Pictures
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