The Odyssey has set an impressive new record for Christopher Nolan with its stunning box-office debut. The fantasy action movie hit cinemas this weekend and has already raked in a whopping $264.1 million across the world.
According to Variety, this figure makes The Odyssey Nolan’s biggest ever global opening, knocking 2012’s The Dark Knight Rises ($249 million) off the top spot. It also surpasses 2009’s The Dark Knight and 2023’s Oppenheimer, which earned $198 million and $180 million, respectively.
In the US, The Odyssey has generated $124.5 million from 3,919 cinemas, almost half of the worldwide total. Across the rest of the globe, the movie pulled in $139.6 million from 73 markets.
Universal
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Almost eight months into the year, The Odyssey has also landed the third-largest US opening of 2026, following Toy Story 5 ($159 million) and The Super Mario Galaxy Movie ($131 million).
However, while the latter two are PG-rated family-friendly flicks, the former is limited to audiences aged 15 and up (or R-rated in the US), making its opening even more impressive.
Adapted from Homer’s epic poem, The Odyssey tells the story of King Odysseus as he makes the perilous journey back to Ithaca, following the Trojan War. His voyage is filled with dangerous creatures, while his kingdom and family are under a different threat amid his absence.
The movie, which is written and directed by Nolan, boasts an impressive cast, with Matt Damon as Odysseus and Anne Hathaway playing his wife Penelope. Robert Pattinson stars as the sinister Antinous, locking horns with Tom Holland’s Telemachus, who isn’t ready for a new father figure.
Universal
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Lupita Nyong’o has a dual role as both Helen of Troy and Clytemnestra, while Zendaya, Charlize Theron, Elliot Page, Jon Bernthal and Mia Goth also feature.
“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,” said David A. Gross, who publishes the box office newsletter FranchiseRe. “Nolan has become a unique and singular talent, with a loyal and enthusiastic following.”
The Odyssey is out in cinemas now.
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Divya is a freelance writer with experience in entertainment and lifestyle news. Described as a “telly addict” since childhood, Divya was able to translate her interests into a BJTC-accredited, Honours degree in Journalism and Media. After working in communications and marketing, Divya joined Digital Spy as a Freelance News Reporter. She has also written for various publications including Metro, Asian World News and TwitCelebGossip; as well as interviews, features and reviews on her own blog. Divya prides herself on her TV, film and showbiz knowledge, always offering (not so) fun facts to her long-suffering friends and family. From soaps to superheroes, Divya is the go-to person for tailored recommendations and up to date information.