Big things are happening in Scotland as Hollywood actors Matt Damon and Tom Holland shoot their upcoming movie The Odyssey in some of the country’s most scenic locations. Christopher Nolan, who has made hits like Oppenheimer, Inception, and The Dark Knight Trilogy, is in charge of the movie. Nolan tells one of the most famous stories in literature, Homer’s Odyssey, in his own unique way this time.
NetFilming brings you all the essential updates from this highly-anticipated 2026 release.
In The Odyssey, Damon plays Odysseus, the Greek warrior struggling to return home after the Trojan War. Holland takes on the role of Telemachus, Odysseus’s son, marking another major step forward in his post-Spider-Man career. The movie promises an epic journey across continents and cultures—both in its story and its filming locations.
Scottish Filming Locations and Their Cultural Highlights
Burghead Harbour, Moray Firth Coast
The movie primarily shot in Burghead Harbour. Matt Damon was seen there in full Greek-style armour. The area’s old-world charm and rough coastline made it a wonderful place to film scenes with warriors at sea.
Trivia: Burghead is home to the remains of a Pictish fort and the Burning of the Clavie festival, a fire ritual held every January 11 that celebrates ancient traditions and new beginnings.
Culbin Forest
Actors were later seen boarding a boat heading to Culbin Forest, a serene mix of sand dunes and pine trees. Parts of the forest were closed during production.
Trivia: Culbin has been a popular location for environmental documentaries due to its unique blend of coastal woodland and wildlife.
Buckie Fishing Port
Filming also took place at the fishing port of Buckie, another coastal gem that adds authenticity to the movie’s seafaring theme.
Trivia: Buckie has appeared in British TV dramas like Trawlermen, which document life in fishing communities.
Findlater Castle (Near Cullen)
Crew members were spotted near the ruins of Findlater Castle, a dramatic cliffside fortress overlooking the sea.
Trivia: Findlater Castle was once considered for scenes in the Outlander series due to its medieval setting and panoramic views.
Cromarty Firth
One of the most eye-catching additions was the Draken Harald Hårfagre, the world’s largest Viking-style ship, seen anchored at Cromarty Firth.
Trivia: Cromarty Firth has also hosted filming for Netflix’s The Crown, thanks to its deep-water beauty and versatile scenery.
Off-Camera Moments in Scotland
The cast and crew have been enjoying local Scottish life between filming. Tom Holland and Zendaya—who also stars in the film as Athena—were spotted in Inverness at Miele’s Gelateria, where they grabbed ice cream and coffee. Zendaya even took a photo with a staff member.
Matt Damon made headlines when he was seen in Edinburgh and also visited Midlothian Snowsports Centre, where he posed with a Bonnyrigg Rose football jersey.
Meanwhile, Christopher Nolan was spotted in Elgin, attending a local screening of F1: The Movie, showing that even Hollywood’s biggest names enjoy supporting small cinemas.
Global Filming Locations for The Odyssey
Aside from Scotland, the film has been shot in other stunning destinations to mirror Odysseus’s legendary travels:
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Morocco – for desert and coastal scenes.
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Greece – capturing the birthplace of the story itself.
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Sicily (Favignana Island) – standing in for the mythic lands Odysseus visited.
These locations were carefully selected for their natural beauty and mythological connections, adding authenticity and cinematic depth.
The Odyssey Official Trailer
Stay tuned with NetFilming for exclusive updates as we get closer to release day.
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