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Emily Wilson’s ‘Odyssey’ became a cultural flashpoint. Now, she’s retranslating the whole thing

PUBLISHED Aug 29, 2026, 8:34 AM ET

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Sources: 18

Classicist Emily Wilson is creating a new translation of Homer's 'Odyssey', eight years after her landmark 2017 version sold over a million copies. Wilson, the first woman to translate the epic into English, announced she is 'about halfway through' a 'complete retranslation' to correct flaws such as overusing the word 'slave'. The announcement follows a public dispute with filmmaker Christopher Nolan, whose blockbuster adaptation cited Wilson's opening line as inspiration. Wilson wrote a scathing London Review of Books review, calling Nolan's script 'abysmal'. Author Joyce Carol Oates criticized Wilson's 'haughty superiority' and rhetoric, comparing it to 'MAGA folks'. Wilson has expressed regret over framing her critique of the film's use of actors of color but stood by her assessment. The retranslation project is considered a highly unusual move for a translator. The new edition will feature more extensive end notes and is a few years from completion.

By Michael Grant | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

2017 — Wilson's landmark 'Odyssey' translation is published and becomes a bestseller.
2019 — Wilson awarded MacArthur 'genius' fellowship for her scholarly work.
2023 — Wilson publishes her translation of Homer's 'Iliad'.
On November 1 2025 Nolan cites Wilson's opening line as inspiration for film.
On July 27 2026 Wilson publishes scathing review of Nolan's film in LRB.
On July 29 2026 Joyce Carol Oates criticizes Wilson's 'haughty' review tone.
On August 27 2026 Wilson announces to AP she is retranslating 'Odyssey' from scratch.
On August 29 2026 Reporting confirms Wilson is 'halfway through' the new translation.
On August 29 2026 Debate continues over Wilson's review and retranslation decision.
2029 — Wilson's new 'Odyssey' translation is expected to be published.

News Intelligence

Immediate US impact: Academic and film circles are debating artistic interpretation and criticism.
Possible long-term US impact: This dispute may shape future adaptations of classical works.
Most affected groups: Classicists, film scholars, fans of Nolan, and general readers.
Reader priority: Distinguish between translation critique and film criticism's distinct merits.