Christopher Nolan's ‘The Odyssey’ shatters box‑office records worldwide
Christopher Nolan’s epic adaptation of Homer’s poem opened to a $264.1 million global debut, surpassing his previous bests and becoming the third‑biggest opening of 2026. In North America the film earned $124.5 million, while international markets contributed $139.6 million, with the United Kingdom and Ireland delivering the strongest overseas opening at £12.9 million. The R‑rated release set several records, including the highest domestic opening for an R‑rated film this year and the biggest opening weekend for a Nolan film outside his Batman franchise.
The film’s unique 70 mm IMAX format drove extraordinary demand: the BFI IMAX in London recorded a record‑breaking opening weekend gross of £219,867, and IMAX screenings accounted for more than half of U.S. ticket sales. Audiences traveled from Singapore, Los Angeles and Toronto to see the film in its intended format. Production spanned six countries – Scotland, Iceland, Morocco, Greece, Italy and the United States – with practical sets built on location.
Other highlights include a strong showing in Indonesia, where 65,552 viewers attended the opening day and 51 % of IMAX seats were filled, and a cameo comment from lead actor Matt Damon: “My double was a woman, a female stunt performer—who had the greatest arms I’ve ever seen.” Universal Pictures continues to roll out the film across more than 12,800 venues worldwide, cementing it as Nolan’s most successful non‑Batman launch.