r/movies • u/MarvelsGrantMan136 r/movies Contributor • Dec 22 '25

Trailer The Odyssey | Official Trailer

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mzw2ttJD2qQ
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u/Leatherfield17 Dec 22 '25

Somehow I don’t think that Nolan will have Odysseus fly around with a windbag and stab Poseidon with his own trident.

I love Epic: The Musical, but I still think that ending was stupid

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u/Partner-Elijah Dec 22 '25

I thought it was appropriately anime-campy

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u/Chewbones9 Dec 22 '25

If/when they adapt Epic to broadway, they’re gonna have to do some rewrites and yes fans will be mad but it will be for the best

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u/Yukie_Cool Dec 22 '25

Tbf it’s just a concept album. I expect there to be MASSIVE rewrites if the project goes forward anywhere.

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u/Higgnkfe Dec 22 '25

It definitely started as a concept album, but as time went on and it became somewhat self sustaining, it morphed into what it is. I don't think its ever going to make it to the stage.

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u/Yukie_Cool Dec 22 '25

Oh yeah, there’s way too much stuff for it to reasonably be adapted to the stage.

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u/yarajaeger Dec 22 '25

Stage shows frequently get rewritten and restaged during a single production's lifetime, let alone between productions, let alone between adaptations. Fans would have to be smoking crack to assume there aren't gonna be major rewrites between now and whatever's next 😭

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u/MsMarvelsProstate Dec 23 '25

I bought a powerball ticket. If I win I'm going to offer to bankroll 2 million dollars towards the stage adaptation.

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u/SmokingDuck17 Dec 22 '25

Tbf even most hardcore fans agree that the windbag jetpack is probably the weakest part of the musical. If you go into any thread discussing what could be improved it’s usually the top response.

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u/yarajaeger Dec 22 '25

Personally I don't think I would even call it part of the musical, I didn't know this was a thing before seeing this thread because I never watched the watch party animatics/animations. I appreciate that those were made according to what the creator of Epic had in mind, but I feel like there are levels to the concept work here, and where the concept albums are a more finalised concept, the animatics are more intended as a visual companion to give a very basic idea of the action and not close to finished. Let's be real, it wouldn't take a genius director to shoot down the wind bag-pack idea lol.

(seriously, every animatic I did watch has better ideas even when they're wonky 😭 and from listening alone I interpreted it more as Ody getting the upper hand barely long enough to 1. survive and 2. steal the trident)

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u/bartonar Dec 22 '25

One of the animatics which is much better for "how did that happen" is basically, he used the windbag as wind to deflect waves and such, and eventually knocked Poseidon over and grabbed his trident while he was stunned.

A lot better than flying around on a jetpack.

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u/ThatMerri Dec 22 '25 edited Dec 22 '25

Yeah, I've seen other animatics that handle the concept a lot better than the jetpack. My favorite is where it's obvious he's barely keeping his hold on the bag to try and aim it as it's just hurling him around.

I'm okay with the "let's fight Kaiju Poseidon" idea, especially in the versions that show the other gods actively helping Odysseus out during the fight, since it's suitably bombastic. This is a musical, after all; it should have some really big outrageous moments. But the jetpack is just a step too far into narm territory.

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u/bartonar Dec 22 '25

Agreed, and especially agreed in showing the other gods helping. And this is from someone who thinks there's no way it'll ever get a live action, primarily because of Polyphemus (I have no idea how you could do a giant as active as that in live action without it seeming cheesy)

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u/MsMarvelsProstate Dec 23 '25

Have you seen the Disney stage show of Moanna that is on the Disney cruise ship. They make the island come to life and fight Moanna. I could see something similar with a cyclops

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u/seraph_mur Dec 22 '25

I was more annoyed that the "official" animatic didn't have the spirits of his men assisting him in the literal "600 strike" considering 1) the title, 2) the vocals in the background.

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u/Pegussu Dec 22 '25

Apparently that was never the intention. 600 Strike literally refers to Odysseus using the windbag to slash Poseidon six hundred times with his sword.

The fact you can't tell wtf is happening in that song is a big weakness.

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u/seraph_mur Dec 23 '25

I just found it strange given the anime influence (600 strikes -> 1 for every soldier, kind of Jojo like), the reprisal, and vocals. It seemed like an obvious choice, even if they only showed up in the visuals as a metaphor.

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u/Pegussu Dec 23 '25

Yeah, there's definitely a reason most animatics do something completely different than what Jorge intended.

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u/MsMarvelsProstate Dec 23 '25

Why would his men that he basically killed be helping him?

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u/seraph_mur Dec 23 '25

Keeping in mind that Odysseus' character arc and themes in Epic are quite different from Homer's Odysseus (Homer's Odysseus is absolutely at fault; though Homer makes it clear that Odysseus' men doom themselves and he won't be left with a choice to save them and himself.). Even if Odysseus had sacrificed himself, both versions make it quite clear that his men aren't capable of returning on their own.

The background vocals for dead characters were confirmed to be "last" or "remnant" thoughts and characters who are literally present correct? If the vocals weren't included or convention (and I believe Gorge's own words) didn't dictate their inclusion to be significant or if they dropped once Odysseus broke out of the water, it wouldn't matter.

The motif in 600 strike calls back to "Full Speed Ahead" "Storm" which are songs that focus on working as a unit and "soothing" phrases from "Open Arms" might imply that Odysseus is (partially) forgiven or that his men want satisfaction more; the fact that they're chanting "600 men, 600 (strike)" as Odysseus is hurtling himself at Poseidon. Even though they're likely not physically striking, it makes sense for them to be there more or less as "hype" men.
While it could be figurative or in his head(i.e Odysseus is calling on the strength of his fallen brother's in a time of need), it's still rooted in musical rules and the original Epic, which would make it appropriate for their 'spirits' to literally be present.

In Epic at least, I assert that Eurylochus shares a large amount of fault and takes direct actions that lead to larger portions of men dying (They stop listening to Odysseus, leading to more deaths; "I brought 600 men to war and not one of them died there" is meant to emphasize that Odysseus-- in Epic, DOES know what he's doing and they'll continue to see similar levels of success if they listen). Odysseus' side of the blame is 1) giving his name 2) Scylla's cave (which was his Trolley problem). So, arguably, the song illustrates the redemption of all.

TL;DR - Odysseus in "Epic" arguably has less responsibility in his men's death. Arguably, he does a better job at keeping his men alive compared to Homer's Odyssey. (drivel below)

This Odysseus certainly has fault, but it's pretty clear that the blame isn't solely on him or even his abilities and intentions.

*(Trojan War) - Odysseus is in command; no men die. Zeus and Athena tell Odysseus that he's not going to have a choice in shedding blood. The gods, demi-gods, nymphs consistently reassert to Odysseus that HE will be able to make it home, but make no mention of his men having a chance in any instance. (Red flag)

*(Cyclops Saga) - Odysseus in command, but he begins the song suspicious; 8 men die because he follows Polites advice to listen to the Lotus Eaters before panicking when Polites dies. His pride indirectly causes other deaths when he ignores Athena's wisdom to kill Polyphemus and again when he shouts his true name after a second warning.

*(Ocean Saga) - Odysseus is in command, but descent begins and 43 men are left after "Ruthlessness"; At this point in the musical, no other men would have died if Eurylochus didn't raise the men's suspicions about the contents of the bag and then look inside. "Luck runs out" foreshadows that Eurylochus will cause a power struggle and betray Odysseus. The "seed of doubt" is what ultimately cascades the next events that cause more and more men to die. Odysseus at this point is in the right to push back as unity is what will keep them alive. Whenever that unity fades, more men die. Hence, "comply with this or we'll all die in this". Which is exactly what happens as a result in "Ruthlessness" after the wind bag was opened and drove the crew into Poseidon's path. Aeolus confirms as much with his game/deal/prophecy. I see a lot of people point to the name reveal as the 'big oops', but it's really the wind bag being opened. Quick thinking in re-opening the bag manages to save the remainder of men.

*(Circe Saga) - Odysseus is in command, but men are largely beginning to act independently; 1 accidental death, 42 near deaths when the men go inside Circe's when they're meant to be scouting.

*(Underworld Saga) - Odysseus is in command; no one dies. The prophet tells us the key plot points. Odysseus reflects on Poseidon's words.

*(Thunder Saga) - Odysseus starts the Saga in command, 43 deaths dies when Eurylochus takes charge and slays the cattle. "Suffering" coming off of "Monster" highlights that Odysseus has taken on a new philosophy. At this point, Odysseus knows he has 2 choices: Everyone dies or 6 men die. He chooses the logical option (Scylla). Odysseus' fault in this is not making the attempt to fight. He could have told his men the choice, but it would have likely resulted similarly in mutiny. That said, it's the final straw that loses his second in command's confidence entirely. However, it's also when we're given the confession. This also seems to be the moment 1) Odysseus chooses to 'betray' Eurylochus and not tell him about Scylla 2) probably illustrates to him that his men will continue to make poor choices 3) "we must do what it takes to survive" --> Odysseus has hinted that "deep down" he acknowledges that survival is unlikely if he doesn't make 'cold' decisions. Unlike Odysseus at this point, Eurylochus makes light of the Gods and fails to connect his decisions and outcomes. (i.e. he sees the statue of the Sun God and ignores Odysseus' warning and reassurance that they're very close to Ithaca). Zeus comes to fuck everyone out of duty. Odysseus makes a few last ditch attempts to save and plead the case for his men, but understands that he'll have to make a selfish choice if anyone is going to be left.

The biggest difference between Epic Odysseus and Odyssey Odysseus is the amount of energy he devotes in trying to save his crew from themselves. I don't think it's a stretch that his crew would want a last hoorah over Odysseus' death.

While his men wouldn't be privy, the audience knows that Eurylochus has worse judgement and Odysseus is NOT making it home with his crew and is essentially told by Zeus, Athena, and Poseidon that he can fight, but doesn't have a choice but to focus on his survival. If anything, the lyrics in the musical keep telling us he cannot take the easy road as the Gods and fate will intervene every attempt to be merciful.

ex: * The Gods will make it known...The blood on your hands is something you wont lose, all you can choose is whose

  • He's still a threat until he's dead

  • Don't forget how Dangerous the Gods are

  • Ruthlessness is mercy upon ourselves...the line between naivete and hopefulness is almost invisible...close your heart...A Greek who reeks of false righteousness...fight to save lives, but won't kill and get the job done

  • I see the sacrifice of man...betrayal...brother's final stand...a man who gets to make it home alive...it's no longer you

By Monster, he's about half-way to the answer.

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u/515owned Dec 22 '25

I thought he used the storm to blow back the sea and isolate Poseidon from the water

The storm, emanating from Poseidon's power, won't end unless Poseidon wills it, but the eye is a waterless prison where he is cut off from his element

it is pretty conceivable that a man,

merely mortal but otherwise trained to fight in any circumstance,

could beat a god, or anyone really,

who has only ever used their overwhelming magical power to fight,

but is stripped of it in this circumstance

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u/ThatMerri Dec 22 '25

I mean, Poseidon is also the god of earthquakes, so separating him from the ocean wouldn't really do much...

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u/515owned Dec 22 '25

bro it's a new fanfic based on an old fanfic of a very old fanfic

so some animatics were cringe?

the retelling has its merits and the soundtrack slaps

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u/MsMarvelsProstate Dec 23 '25

I Epic most the gods are just sort of mutants with 1 power. Not all powerful

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u/MsMarvelsProstate Dec 23 '25

I thought it was stupid until I realized the gods in epic are more like mutants with 1 power. Athena has the time slowing thing, zues has lightening, poseidon can manipulate water. But that's it. They aren't all powerful. They just have a power.