'The Odyssey' makes history at global box office for Christopher Nolan

Christopher Nolan’s adaptation of "The Odyssey" has secured a massive international debut, collecting $264m in global ticket sales during its opening weekend - representing the director's biggest international opening ever. The Odyssey has smashed expectations at the box office with a global debut that has set new opening weekend records for Christopher Nolan. Early projections had the film grossing approximately $200 million at the worldwide box office following strong advanced ticket sales and sold-out IMAX showings. After a terrific weekend at the box office, The Odyssey has surpassed predictions by taking $264m in its opening weekend, according to studio Universal Pictures. In North America alone, the film made $124.5m, giving it the third-largest opening of 2026 after Toy Story 5 ($159m) and The Super Mario Galaxy Movie ($131m). This is an impressive achievement in the US, as The Odyssey is not only an adaptation of a 2,700-year-old Greek epic but also has a dreaded R-rating, which substantially limits audiences. The Odyssey stands as Nolan’s best ever international opening, topping 2012's The Dark Knight Rises, which opened globally with $249m. It has also scored an even bigger debut than his 2023 Oscar-winning film Oppenheimer ($180m), which ended its global box office run with $975m. The Odyssey reportedly cost $250m and is the first feature movie to be filmed entirely with IMAX cameras. “Christopher Nolan is the only filmmaker working today who could take an ancient story like this, attract a cast as sprawling and accomplished as this, and make it a pop culture event,” according FranchiseRe writer David A. Gross, via Variety. “Nolan has become a unique and singular talent, with a loyal and enthusiastic following.” Time will tell whether Nolan's latest can reach the $1bn mark, but considering its main competition only arrives on 31 July with the opening of Spider-Man: Brand New Day, the next two weeks should further its global box office domination. In our review of The Odyssey, we wrote: "There’s so much to admire about Nolan's gargantuan undertaking and how he departs from the Homeric world, preferring a tale in which the supernatural realms are pushed back to make way for a modernist reading of Odysseus' psyche." However, we pointed out issues with editing, pacing and timelines, niggles only redeemed by the last act. "Still, something is missing. Not the filmmaking flair, nor the ambition; rather a moment to breathe and emote during what sometimes feels like a dutiful α to β to γ trip to Hades and back.” The Odyssey is out in cinemas worldwide.