After Nolan's 'The Odyssey', Audible Takes Odysseus Into Space With New Sci-Fi Epic

Audible has announced 'Odysseus Rising', a new science-fiction adaptation of Homer's 3,000-year-old epic 'The Odyssey', just months after Christopher Nolan's film brought the legendary Greek hero's journey back to the big screen.

The Audible Original is written by acclaimed science-fiction novelist Adrian Tchaikovsky, author of 'Children of Time', and narrated by actor-filmmaker Andy Serkis, known for 'The Lord of the Rings' and 'Planet of the Apes'. The project has been in development since late 2024.

Tchaikovsky's adaptation combines the ancient story with science-fiction, advanced sound design and Dolby Atmos to create an interstellar retelling of Homer's epic.

“Taking on a project like this was a real challenge, working with the spirit of the original and exploring the concepts of gods, monsters and the great journey through the science-fiction tradition,” Tchaikovsky said. He described taking Odysseus' travels into “the realms of space and time” as a privilege.

Serkis called Tchaikovsky's reimagining “a staggering act of ingenuity”, adding that transporting the ancient story into the distant future “gives it new life and meaning”.

“As an actor, having the opportunity to voice both Homer and Adrian’s creations is immensely rewarding and recording in tandem with Audible’s cutting-edge production is a dream come true. Listeners are in for a blockbuster treat,” Serkis said.

Audible Head of Content, International, Aurelie de Troyer, said the company was privileged to bring together “two of the most prestigious voices in science fiction”. She said the project had been “a long time in the making” and arrives as interest in Homer's classic remains high among a new generation of audiences.

The official synopsis reimagines the story after a decade of war in Ilium, now reduced to “a ruined world of ashes”. The Ithaca, besieged by oligarchs and parasites, awaits the return of its captain.

Odysseus begins his journey home carrying “the weight of duty and the dead”, but must confront the Gods when he finds himself unable to reach his people. His journey ultimately moves beyond space and time, as he attempts to bring Ithaca to him.

The announcement comes after Nolan's 'The Odyssey', starring Matt Damon as the battle-weary Odysseus, became a major box-office success. The film was shot entirely on IMAX cameras and earned USD 1.68 billion worldwide.

'Odysseus Rising' will be available exclusively on Audible from February 25, 2027.