Christopher Nolan's epic film The Odyssey stormed the global box office with a $264m (£196m, A$378m) opening weekend, according to studio Universal Pictures. The adaptation of Homer's ancient Greek poem cost $250m to produce and stars Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, and Zendaya.
Box Office Performance
The $264m debut surpasses the opening of Nolan's 2023 blockbuster Oppenheimer, which ultimately grossed $975m worldwide. In North America alone, The Odyssey earned $124.5m, the third-largest opening of the year behind Toy Story 5 ($159m) and The Super Mario Galaxy Movie ($131m). This is notable given the film's R rating, which restricts the audience. Universal had initially projected a $100m North American opening.
Audience Demographics
Men comprised 56% of the general audience, with over three-quarters of ticket buyers aged over 25. Half of the audience were between 18 and 34. The UK and Ireland led international markets with £12.9m ($17.4m) over three days.
Production and Release
The Odyssey is the first feature film shot entirely with IMAX cameras, known for their sharp, bright, high-resolution imagery. It was rolled out across 73 markets, over 12,800 locations, and 26,000 screens worldwide, including 440 IMAX screens. Premium large formats accounted for 53% of the North American box office. Screenings at London's BFI IMAX were sold out, with fans queuing from midnight.
Nolan's Comments
Nolan said the film was only possible after Oppenheimer's success. He told the Guardian: "I'm so desperate to have a period I have nothing to do... at the moment, all I can see is just trying to get through this, put the film out and then take a little break." He added it will be "at least" three years before his next movie.
Critical Reception
The Odyssey has been hailed as Nolan's "best film to date" in glowing reviews. The cast also includes Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong'o, Samantha Morton, and Charlize Theron.
