Booksellers Notice Demand for 'The Odyssey' Following Film Release

The release of a new film adaptation of "The Odyssey" appears to be sparking renewed interest in Homer's classic epic among Danish readers. Several booksellers across the country have noted a significant uptick in demand for the ancient Greek work.

Saxo, an online bookseller, reported a remarkable 20% increase in sales of "The Odyssey" during the first seven months of the current year, surpassing the total sales figures for the entirety of 2025. Louis Holck Petersen, retail manager at Politikens Boghal and Arnold Busck in Copenhagen, confirmed a rise in sales, stating, "Sales began to climb leading up to the film's premiere and really accelerated after the movie was released."

Emily Wilson's translation of the Greek text has even climbed to the eighth position on Saxo's bestseller list. According to reports, film director Christopher Nolan has previously cited Wilson's version as an inspiration for his cinematic adaptation.

"The Odyssey" premiered on July 16 and is based on Homer's timeless narrative of Odysseus's arduous journey home after the Trojan War, filled with numerous obstacles. The film boasts a star-studded cast, including Matt Damon as Odysseus and Anne Hathaway as his wife, Penelope, with appearances by Tom Holland, Robert Pattinson, Zendaya, and Charlize Theron. Christopher Nolan, known for films like "Inception" and "The Dark Knight," also directed "Oppenheimer," which garnered multiple Oscar awards in 2024. The film drew 82,000 viewers in its opening weekend in Danish cinemas.