Scammers Are Exploiting Global Interest in the Odyssey Movie

Cybercriminals are exploiting worldwide interest in Christopher Nolan’s upcoming movie The Odyssey by creating fake websites that promise free access to the film, cybersecurity company Kaspersky said on Tuesday.

Kaspersky researchers have identified scam websites in multiple languages, suggesting attackers are targeting audiences in different countries by capitalising on interest in the film, the company said.

The film has become one of the most anticipated releases of 2026, but its global popularity has also created opportunities for scammers seeking to trick users into handing over personal and financial information.

The scams typically involve websites offering free access to the movie, including dubbed versions in users’ native languages.

The sites display reviews and ratings that appear to come from people who have already watched the film, Kaspersky said.

When users attempt to play the movie, however, they are shown a fake video player and asked to register to unlock the content and “continue to watch for free”.

Users are then prompted to provide personal information, including their email address, first and last names.

The registration process may subsequently request a password and banking details under the pretext of activating a “free trial”, potentially exposing victims to credential theft and financial losses.

The risk of credential theft is particularly high for users who reuse passwords across multiple services, Kaspersky said.

The fraudulent websites promise unlimited access to content, claim account creation takes about a minute and offer viewing across multiple devices, according to the company.

Scammers are also creating similar websites in multiple languages while maintaining essentially the same fraudulent scheme, Kaspersky said.

“We often see scammers seeking to profit from high-profile premieres such as Odyssey, exploiting the excitement and loyalty of fans eagerly awaiting major releases. Users should be particularly cautious if a film that has only just been released and is still showing in theaters suddenly appears on an unfamiliar or suspicious-looking platform. We strongly encourage people to access content only through official services in order to protect their personal data and avoid potential financial losses, and steer clear of what may turn out to be a Trojan horse,” Olga Altukhova, Senior Web Content Analyst at Kaspersky, told Impact Newswire.

Kaspersky advised users to verify the authenticity of websites before entering personal information and to use official services to watch or download films.

The company also recommended checking website addresses and company name spellings, using prepaid cards or dedicated payment services where possible, enabling multi-factor authentication and regularly reviewing financial accounts for unauthorised activity.

Kaspersky also advised users to use security software capable of detecting malicious attachments and blocking phishing links.

The company said its products include AI-powered scam protection combining machine-learning anti-phishing algorithms, real-time behavioural monitoring, data-leak detection and identity-theft checks.

The company said its technologies protect more than 1 billion devices and that it serves nearly 200,000 organisations worldwide.

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