Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey is generating massive buzz on social media as it hit theatres on Friday, July 17. With the film’s release, moviegoers are also revisiting Wolfgang Petersen’s 2004 historical
epic Troy to understand how the two stories are connected. While both films draw inspiration from ancient Greek mythology and feature many of the same legendary characters, they tell different chapters of the same larger saga. Let’s find out how The Odyssey and Troy are connected.
What Is Troy About?
Released in 2004, Troy is based primarily on Homer’s epic poem The Iliad. Directed by Wolfgang Petersen, the film stars Brad Pitt as Achilles, Eric Bana as Hector, Orlando Bloom as Paris, Diane Kruger as Helen, Sean Bean as Odysseus, Brian Cox as Agamemnon and Peter O’Toole as King Priam.
The story follows the Trojan War, which begins after Paris, prince of Troy, elopes with Helen, the wife of Menelaus, king of Sparta. This leaves Menelaus feel insulted, who then asks his brother, Agamemnon, gather the Greek kingdoms to wage war against Troy. What follows is a decade-long conflict which culminates in the famous Trojan Horse strategy devised by Odysseus.
How Is The Odyssey Connected To Troy?
The Odyssey serves as a direct continuation of the events that after the fall of Troy. While Troy focuses on the war itself, The Odyssey explores what happens after the Greeks emerge victorious. The story follows Odysseus, the King of Ithaca, as he embarks on his perilous journey home after the Trojan War. His voyage, however, turns into a ten-year struggle filled with monsters, gods, curses and challenges.
In simple words, Troy tells the story of the Trojan War. However, The Odyssey revolves around Odysseus’ journey home after the war.
Is Christopher Nolan’s Film A Sequel To Troy?
No, Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey is not a sequel to Wolfgang Petersen’s Troy. Although both films are inspired by Homer’s works and share characters like Odysseus, they are separate adaptations made by different filmmakers.
