Christopher Nolan’s epic adaptation The Odyssey has delivered the strongest opening of his career, grossing $264.1 million worldwide in its debut weekend.
The figure surpasses the $249 million launch of The Dark Knight Rises, previously his highest-grossing film, and marks a record start for the Oscar-winning director.
The film also secured Nolan’s largest international opening, pulling in $139.6 million across 73 territories and 25,600 screens.
The Odyssey became his biggest opener in 48 countries, including France, Italy, Brazil, and India, and ranks second among R-rated films internationally.
With a production budget of $250 million and marketing costs near $125 million, the film has already broken even following its record-breaking two-day performance.
The cast includes Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway, Zendaya, Tom Holland, Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong’o, and Charlize Theron.
It is the first feature film shot entirely using IMAX 70mm film cameras.
Critics have praised the film’s scale and ensemble, with several reviews describing it as a masterpiece and the year’s best release to date.
On review aggregators, the film holds a 95% score on Rotten Tomatoes and an 88 on Metacritic.
Despite critical acclaim, the film has faced coordinated review bombing, with an unusually high share of one-star ratings alongside overwhelming five-star praise.
The release was also preceded by backlash over casting, including criticism of Nyong’o as Helen of Troy and Elliot Page as Sinon.
Nyong’o addressed the response by noting the story is mythological and the cast reflects a global world.
Nolan defended Page’s performance, calling him incredible to work with and highlighting the actor’s role in conveying the tragedy of war.
The Odyssey is now playing in cinemas worldwide.
