Viral Sensation 'Epic' Musical Adaptation of Homer's 'The Odyssey' to Become Animated Film with Jerry Bruckheimer

Viral Sensation 'Epic' Musical Adaptation of Homer's 'The Odyssey' to Become Animated Film with Jerry Bruckheimer

What started as an ambitious college thesis project has evolved into a cultural phenomenon, and now the viral musical retelling of Homer's The Odyssey is heading to the big screen. Producer Jerry Bruckheimer, known for blockbuster franchises including Top Gun and Pirates of the Caribbean, has joined forces with creator Jorge Rivera-Herrans and Atlantic Music Group president Kevin Weaver to develop an animated musical adaptation of the story.

The collaboration marks Bruckheimer's inaugural venture into animation, though his portfolio has long included music-driven projects dating back to the 1980s film Flashdance. Chad Oman of Jerry Bruckheimer Films will serve as additional producer on the project.

From Dorm Room to Hollywood

Rivera-Herrans conceived Epic as his senior thesis at the University of Notre Dame. The project gained momentum when he began sharing his creative process on TikTok during the pandemic in 2021, eventually releasing the serialized musicals beginning in 2022. The self-produced EPs rapidly climbed charts, at one point claiming nine positions simultaneously in the top 10 on iTunes soundtrack charts.

The modern reimagining of the ancient tale—blending influences from musicals, anime, and video games—resonated strongly with younger audiences. The project generated over four billion global streams and accumulated more than seven billion short-form views across platforms. Fan participation extended to a worldwide casting process and the creation of fan-made animatics featuring various artistic styles.

Commercial Success and Industry Interest

The music industry's attention followed suit, with major labels pursuing Rivera-Herrans throughout 2023. After initially declining lucrative offers, he eventually signed with Atlantic Music Group. President Kevin Weaver spent two years cultivating the relationship and successfully transitioned Epic from digital phenomenon to tangible commercial product, including physical releases and merchandise that generated millions in revenue from an enthusiastic fanbase.

The project is currently in early development stages and will be presented to studios and streaming platforms beginning as early as next week through CAA, which represents Bruckheimer.

Timing and Industry Context

The adaptation arrives at a particularly opportune moment. Director Christopher Nolan is preparing his own live-action feature film adaptation of The Odyssey, scheduled for release July 17, which is already generating substantial industry buzz. Combined with Epic's massive following, Homer's ancient epic has reached unprecedented contemporary cultural prominence.

Weaver's previous success on major soundtrack projects including Barbie The Album, The Greatest Showman, and Suicide Squad: The Album facilitated the partnership with Bruckheimer. Their prior collaboration on the F1 The Album for the Brad Pitt racing film—which garnered an Oscar nomination for best picture and won for best sound while grossing over $634 million worldwide—strengthened their professional relationship.

Rivera-Herrans is represented by Jake Phillips of Greenberg Traurig, while Weaver is represented by Alan Sacks of Frankfurt Kurnit.