"The Odyssey" Earns $264 Million in Opening Weekend

Christopher Nolan's latest historical epic, "The Odyssey," has stormed the box office, earning $264.1 million worldwide during its opening weekend. The film, which had a substantial production budget of $250 million, has effectively recouped its costs with this impressive debut.

"The Odyssey" marks Nolan's return to filmmaking since his acclaimed 2023 release, "Oppenheimer." This new venture is an adaptation of Homer's ancient Greek epic poem, chronicling the perilous journey of Odysseus. The star-studded cast features Matt Damon in the titular role, alongside other prominent actors such as Anne Hathaway, Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong'o, and Tom Holland.

Filmed entirely in the large-format IMAX, a long-held ambition for Nolan, the movie premiered on July 17. The demand for tickets was so high that fans began purchasing them a year in advance, leading to over 50 IMAX theaters in the U.S. and Canada adding extra screenings during early morning hours. Critics have praised Nolan's ability to translate timeless themes into a powerful contemporary narrative, with Aftenposten's reviewer Kjetil Lismoen noting the film's compelling storytelling.