Andy Serkis to Voice Sci-Fi Odyssey Adaptation ‘Odysseus Rising’ for Audible

Actor and motion-capture pioneer Andy Serkis is set to lend his voice to a science-fiction reimagining of Homer’s ancient Greek epic, The Odyssey, in a new Audible audio drama titled Odysseus Rising. The project, which transplants the legendary tale of Odysseus’s journey home into the far reaches of deep space, will debut on February 25, 2027. Serkis will perform the full narration and voice work, bringing spaceships, space gods, and ruined worlds to life in a project that arrives just months after Christopher Nolan’s blockbuster film adaptation starring Tom Holland and Matt Damon.

Deadline has revealed details of the ambitious audio drama, which sees the timeless narrative of survival, duty, and defiance get adapted once again — this time with the hero navigating a cosmos rather than the Mediterranean. The story follows Odysseus as he pilots the Ithaca, a ship besieged by oligarchs and parasites, on a long voyage home after a decade of war has reduced the world of Ilium to a ruined landscape of ashes.

A Cosmic Odyssey

According to the official synopsis, the tale carries the weight of duty and the dead as Odysseus begins the long journey home, flying in the face of the Gods. But the Gods will not be defied, and if the Captain is doomed to never reach the safe harbour of his people, he must find a way to bring the Ithaca to him. And so, his real journey begins — not through space, but deep into time itself.

“Adrian’s re-imagining of The Odyssey is a staggering act of ingenuity. 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!”

Andy Serkis

The adaptation appears to draw on the creative vision of author Adrian Tchaikovsky, whose science-fiction work has long been celebrated for reworking mythological and historical narratives through a futuristic lens. Serkis, who will reportedly voice both the original Homer and the author’s original creations, describes the dual role as a rare and deeply fulfilling opportunity. The recording process, he says, has been made even more special by working alongside Audible’s production team using their latest audio technology.

A Busy Year for Serkis

The Odyssey project adds to an already packed slate for the actor, who is currently shooting and starring in his new Lord of the Rings prequel film, The Hunt for Gollum. Earlier this week, footage emerged from filming down in New Zealand on the franchise’s iconic Hobbiton set, where Elijah Wood was spotted alongside dozens of background actors dressed as Hobbits. In other scenes, Serkis is set to reprise his iconic role as Gollum/Smeagol directly in front of the camera.

Interest in The Odyssey remains remarkably high, even months after Nolan’s film arrived back in July. Unusually, the movie is still playing in countless locations, as audiences continue to embrace the film as a theatrical event that deserves to be seen on the biggest screens possible. Serkis and Audible will likely hope this momentum carries into next year, when Odysseus Rising debuts.

Looking Ahead

While the full scope of Odysseus Rising has yet to be revealed, the project signals a bold new direction for the ancient epic in the audio space. With a February 25, 2027 release date confirmed, fans can anticipate a blockbuster-scale audio experience that reimagines one of literature’s most enduring tales for a sci-fi generation. As Serkis puts it, listeners are in for a treat — one that blends the timeless themes of Homer with the boundless imagination of the cosmos.

For those following the broader franchise news, IGN’s Tom Phillips covers the latest developments and can be reached at tom_phillips@ign.com or on Bluesky @tomphillipseg.bsky.social.