Christopher Nolan’s highly anticipated epic The Odyssey has made a powerful start at the global box office, earning $264.1 million in worldwide ticket sales during its opening weekend, according to Universal Pictures.
The film generated $124.5 million in the United States and Canada alone, securing the top spot at both the domestic and global box office.
Based on Homer’s ancient Greek epic poem, the film stars Matt Damon as the legendary hero Odysseus, following his perilous journey home after the Trojan War. It marks Nolan’s first feature since the Oscar-winning Oppenheimer, which claimed Academy Awards for Best Picture and Best Director.
Matt Damon is Odysseus in THE ODYSSEY, written, produced, and directed by Christopher Nolan.
Universal’s president of domestic theatrical distribution, Jim Orr, said there was “palpable excitement” across the North American market, adding that the film attracted a broad audience, with half of moviegoers aged between 18 and 34.
The production, which reportedly cost $250 million, received an A CinemaScore from opening-night audiences and earned a 97% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, reflecting strong early reception.
Premium cinema formats played a significant role in the film’s debut. Universal said half of all U.S. and Canadian moviegoers opted for enhanced viewing experiences, with 23% choosing IMAX screenings.
L to R: Matt Damon is Odysseus and Zendaya is Athena in THE ODYSSEY, written, produced, and directed by Christopher Nolan.
Demand for IMAX tickets proved exceptional. Fans began purchasing seats a year in advance after select screenings went on sale, prompting more than 50 IMAX theaters across North America to add overnight showtimes between midnight and 7 a.m. IMAX CEO Richard Gelfond said the company recorded $50 million in advance ticket sales, its strongest presales ever.
Factoring in inflation, The Odyssey ranks as Christopher Nolan’s third-biggest global opening weekend, trailing only The Dark Knight Rises and The Dark Knight.
Matt Damon is Odysseus in THE ODYSSEY, written, produced, and directed by Christopher Nolan.
The film adapts part of Odysseus’ legendary homecoming, depicting encounters with gods, monsters, storms and tragedy in one of the most enduring stories of classical literature. Its strong opening reinforces Nolan’s status as one of Hollywood’s biggest box office draws, while highlighting continued audience demand for large-scale cinematic experiences, particularly in premium formats.
