Christopher Nolan’s latest film The Odyssey (2026) grosses $264.1 million worldwide this weekend, marking the biggest international opening weekend of the director’s career. The film, which cost around $250 million, beat previous blockbusters like The Dark Knight Rises (2012) in Oppenheimer (2023).
Record shattered
Of the $264.1 million, 124.5 million came from North America and 139.6 million from the rest of the world. The Odyssey raises more than this The Dark Knight Rises ($249 million), The Dark Knight (2008) ($198 million) and Oppenheimer ($180 million). It is striking that it is an R-rated film of almost three hours that is not part of an existing franchise.
Odysseus’ journey home
The Odyssey is based on Homer’s ancient epic and follows Odysseus on his journey back to Ithaka after the Trojan War. Matt Damon stars as Odysseus, with Anne Hathaway as his wife Penelope. The cast also includes Tom Holland, Zendaya and Robert Pattinson.
8.4
After the fall of Troy, Odysseus, king of Ithaca, begins a long and dangerous journey back home. During this journey he and his crew are confronted with various creatures such as the sirens, the cyclops Polyphemos and Circe, the daughter of the sun god.
International success
The film premiered in 73 countries. The United Kingdom and Ireland delivered the highest international revenue at $17.4 million. Release in other major markets such as South Korea, China and Japan is yet to follow, which only increases the likelihood of further records. A strong opening is of course no guarantee for long-term success. The film that has earned Nolan the most so far is still The Dark Knight Rises with $1.08 billion worldwide. Can The Odyssey also break this record?
Image: ‘The Odyssey’ via Filmdepot
Text: Box Office Mojo
