In a remarkable achievement for both filmmaker Christopher Nolan and the world of cinema, “The Odyssey” has officially become Nolan’s highest-grossing film, surpassing $1.1 billion at the global box office. This milestone not only eclipses his previous record of $1.08 billion set by “The Dark Knight Rises,” but also positions “The Odyssey” as Imax’s highest-grossing release of all time, having earned $289 million and surpassing the previous record held by “Avatar,” which made $271 million.
Box Office Success and Comparisons
Currently ranking as the second-biggest movie of the year behind “Spider-Man: Brand New Day,” which has amassed $1.67 billion, “The Odyssey” stands as the second-highest-grossing R-rated film of all time. Only 2024’s “Deadpool and Wolverine” has performed better with $1.3 billion. This latest adaptation of Homer’s epic, however, is still in its theatrical run and shows no signs of slowing down. To date, it has collected $461 million in the U.S. and $643 million internationally.
Impressive Fourth Weekend
In its fourth weekend, “The Odyssey” raked in an impressive $110 million globally, comprising $79 million from overseas and $31.5 million from the domestic market. Notably, the film will not open in China, the world’s second-largest moviegoing market, until August 14, indicating further potential for increased box office revenue.
Nolan’s Box Office Legacy
Christopher Nolan, widely regarded as one of the most bankable directors of his generation, has amassed a staggering $7 billion globally with his filmography, which includes iconic works such as “The Dark Knight” trilogy, “Inception,” “Dunkirk,” and “Interstellar.” Among his films, three have crossed the billion-dollar mark: “The Odyssey,” “The Dark Knight,” and “The Dark Knight Rises.” His recent work, “Oppenheimer,” also earned impressive figures, nearly reaching $975 million.
The Reach of “The Odyssey”
“A singular filmmaker with the international following of Christopher Nolan is uniquely fit to adapt Homer’s ancient poem, which is one of the most influential and well-known stories in the world,” stated Veronika Kwan Vandenberg, president of international distribution at Universal Pictures. “’The Odyssey’ is a global epic that has resonated with audiences everywhere with its massive scope and uncompromising vision.”
Innovative Filmmaking Techniques
The film, featuring Matt Damon as the legendary Greek king Odysseus, is particularly notable for being the first feature film shot entirely with Imax cameras. Prior tentpole films have utilized Imax technology for select sequences, but “The Odyssey” sets a new precedent. Domestically, it has generated $147.3 million in Imax, establishing itself as the company’s top domestic release, while international earnings reached $141.8 million. This figure is poised to grow as the film approaches its release in China, where Imax has around 800 screens available.
Exceeding Expectations
In addition to its Imax success, the film has earned $6.3 million from preview screenings in China. Imax 70mm formats—Nolan’s preferred viewing experience—have also contributed significantly, generating $37.5 million from just 41 global locations, despite the limited number of 70mm auditoriums. Many of these locations are already sold out through September.
Looking Ahead
Richard Gelfond, CEO of Imax, expressed his optimistic outlook, stating, “We had the very highest of hopes for ‘The Odyssey’ from the start, but it somehow continues to exceed them. Its historic performance is headlining what we expect will be our best year ever at the global box office.”
