Christopher Nolan has another box office success on his hands.
'The Odyssey' has opened to a huge $264.1 million worldwide, making it the director's biggest debut to date and the strongest opening weekend for a live-action film in 2026.
The epic adaptation generated $124.5 million across North America, while international audiences added a further $139.6 million, comfortably eclipsing the opening weekends of both 'The Dark Knight Rises' and 'Oppenheimer'. Once again, Nolan has proven that his films remain must-see theatrical events, with audiences continuing to turn out in force for the director's large-scale cinematic experiences.
Premium screens were a major factor in the film's success. IMAX showings alone accounted for almost $52 million globally, highlighting the demand to experience the film on the biggest screens possible. Having shot the entire production using IMAX cameras, Nolan designed 'The Odyssey' to be seen in its most immersive format.
Based on Homer's legendary poem, the film sees Matt Damon take on the role of Odysseus, leading an all-star cast that includes Anne Hathaway, Tom Holland, Robert Pattinson, Zendaya, Lupita Nyong'o and Charlize Theron. Running close to three hours and carrying an R rating, the ambitious retelling combines Greek mythology with the sweeping visual style that has become synonymous with Nolan's filmmaking.
Despite its lengthy runtime and age rating, The Odyssey attracted a particularly strong audience among 18 to 34-year-olds. Early reviews have praised the scale of the production, while cinemagoers rewarded the film with an "A" CinemaScore, signalling positive word of mouth as it enters its second week.
