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Forget ‘The Odyssey,’ This Mythology-Inspired Fantasy Book Deserves an Adaptation
A Collider feature argues that Madeline Miller's 2011 novel The Song of Achilles, rather than Christopher Nolan's new film adaptation of The Odyssey, deserves a screen adaptation. The piece contends that while Nolan's film covers Odysseus's journey home, it omits the Trojan War story told in Homer's Iliad, which Miller's acclaimed debut reimagines through the perspective of Patroclus and his bond with Achilles, making it ripe for television treatment.
The article traces the novel's story, from Patroclus's exile to Phthia and his growing relationship with Achilles, through to the pair's involvement in the Trojan War and the prophecy of Achilles' death. It also notes the book's stalled adaptation history: a miniseries was optioned in 2015 but never progressed past development, and in 2024 director Matthew López expressed interest in a limited series, though details on its current status are cut off in the article.
In short
- Article argues The Song of Achilles deserves adaptation over The Odyssey.
- Novel retells the Iliad via Achilles and Patroclus's relationship.
- Past adaptation attempts (2015, 2024) stalled or went undeveloped.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
The Song of Achilles offers a more narratively cohesive and emotionally intimate story than The Odyssey, with its complete character arc and focus on the relationship between Patroclus and Achilles providing richer material for television's serialised format. The novel's critical acclaim and distinctive perspective on classical mythology would provide modern audiences with a fresh, character-driven approach to ancient stories that feels more naturally suited to contemporary storytelling.
The case against
The Odyssey stands as the more foundational and universally recognised of Homer's epics, and Christopher Nolan's involvement lends significant prestige to bringing this canonical text to the screen. There is considerable value in adapting the original, seminal works rather than contemporary retellings, and the sweeping seafaring narrative of Odysseus's journey home offers cinematic scope that justifies prioritising this adaptation for audiences seeking the authentic voice of Homer.
Explained simply
The Song of Achilles is a 2011 novel by Madeline Miller based on ancient Greek mythology. It retells the story of the Trojan War from the perspective of Patroclus and centres on his relationship with the warrior Achilles, taking a more intimate approach than Homer's ancient epics.
The novel is widely praised and has long been considered a strong candidate for film or television adaptation. However, despite attracting producers' interest over the years, it has not yet been brought to the screen, making it a notable example of contemporary classical fiction awaiting production.
The book figures in current discussions about how classical mythology is adapted for contemporary audiences. With major filmmakers developing large-scale projects based on ancient Greek texts, questions arise about which modern retellings should receive comparable investment and attention.