Andy Serkis, widely recognized for his iconic motion-capture performance as Gollum in The Lord of the Rings, is embarking on a new audio project: a science-fiction adaptation of Homer's classic epic, The Odyssey. Titled 'Odysseus Rising,' the production is penned by award-winning author Adrian Tchaikovsky and will be released by Audible on February 25, 2027.
This ambitious adaptation transports the ancient Greek tale of Odysseus's arduous journey home from the Trojan War into the vast expanse of deep space. The narrative will feature futuristic elements such as spaceships, celestial beings reimagined as powerful entities, and derelict worlds, offering a fresh perspective on the timeless story. The project has been in development for several years.
A synopsis describes the setting as a post-war era where "Ilium is reduced to a ruined world of ashes." The ship 'Ithaca' awaits its captain, Odysseus, who "begins the long journey home, flying in the face of the Gods." The blurb further teases that if Odysseus cannot reach his people, he "must find a way to bring the Ithaca to him," suggesting a profound personal journey that transcends physical space and delves into time itself.
Serkis, who is also currently filming the Lord of the Rings prequel movie 'The Hunt for Gollum,' expressed his enthusiasm for the project. "Adrian's re-imagining of The Odyssey is a staggering act of ingenuity," he stated. "Transporting this 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!"
The release of 'Odysseus Rising' comes at a time of renewed interest in The Odyssey, following the theatrical success of Christopher Nolan's recent film adaptation. Audible and Serkis will likely aim to capitalize on this sustained public engagement with the legendary epic.