What began as a college senior thesis has now transformed into a global sensation. Today, Epic—Jorge Rivera-Herrans’ viral musical retelling of Homer’s The Odyssey—is officially heading to cinemas as an animated feature. Hollywood powerhouse Jerry Bruckheimer, best known for blockbusters like Top Gun and Pirates of the Caribbean, has teamed up with Rivera-Herrans and music industry veteran Kevin Weaver to produce the adaptation. Although the project remains in its early stages, the team plans to pitch it to studios and streamers soon.
From Thesis to Phenomenon
Rivera-Herrans first conceived Epic at the University of Notre Dame. Then, during the pandemic in 2021, he began sharing his creative process online. Soon after, he released serialized musical sagas starting in 2022. The episodes quickly climbed to the top of iTunes and dominated soundtrack charts, with Epic once holding nine of the top ten spots. Moreover, its unique fusion of mythology, anime, video game influences, and musical storytelling resonated deeply with millennial and Gen Z audiences. Fans also contributed through global casting calls and fan-made animatics, helping the project amass over four billion streams and seven billion short-form views.
Industry Recognition and Expansion
By 2023, every major label sought to sign Rivera-Herrans. Nevertheless, he held out until partnering with Weaver after a two-year courtship. Weaver—whose career includes hit soundtracks like Barbie the Album and The Greatest Showman—guided Epic into the mainstream. He introduced physical releases and merchandising that generated millions from its devoted fanbase. Furthermore, his prior collaboration with Bruckheimer on F1 The Album paved the way for the producer’s involvement in this new venture.
A Timely Odyssey Revival
The animated adaptation arrives just as Homer’s epic tale enjoys renewed cultural relevance. At the same time, Christopher Nolan is preparing a live-action retelling of The Odyssey, set to release July 17, already one of the year’s most anticipated films. With Bruckheimer stepping into animation for the first time—though music has long been central to his work since Flashdance—Epic is poised to merge myth, music, and modern storytelling for a new generation.
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