Christopher Nolan’s highly anticipated epic film “The Odyssey” made a powerful debut at the North American box office, exceeding expectations by earning nearly $120 million during its opening weekend.

The impressive performance makes it one of the biggest film launches of 2026 and positions it as another major commercial success for the Oscar-winning filmmaker.

A Record-Breaking Opening Weekend

The film earned $51.2 million on Friday alone, including preview screenings, after opening in approximately 3,900 theaters across North America.

It also received an "A" CinemaScore from audiences and earned widespread critical acclaim for its visual storytelling and epic scale.

The Odyssey Sets New Box Office Records

With its outstanding debut, The Odyssey became the highest-opening R-rated film of 2026 and delivered the biggest opening weekend in the history of Universal Pictures.

The achievement once again demonstrates Christopher Nolan's ability to combine artistic ambition with blockbuster success despite the film's $250 million production budget.

Strong Global Performance

Worldwide, the film is projected to earn approximately $257.8 million during its first week.

That total includes an estimated $137.3 million from 73 international markets, far exceeding Universal’s original domestic projections of $80–100 million.

The Story of The Odyssey

Matt Damon stars as the legendary Greek hero Odysseus, who embarks on a dangerous journey back to Ithaca after the Trojan War.

His mission is to reclaim his kingdom and reunite with his wife Penelope, portrayed by Anne Hathaway.

Star-Studded Cast

The film features an impressive ensemble cast, including:

• Matt Damon
• Anne Hathaway
• Tom Holland
• Robert Pattinson
• Zendaya
• Lupita Nyong'o
• Charlize Theron

The project was produced by Christopher Nolan and Emma Thomas through their production company Syncopy.

The First Feature Shot Entirely With IMAX Cameras

The Odyssey also marks a major technical milestone as the first feature-length film ever shot entirely using IMAX cameras.

This innovation significantly boosted demand for premium screenings, especially in IMAX 70mm theaters, many of which sold out across the United States.

How much did The Odyssey earn during its opening weekend?

The film earned approximately $120 million in North America during its opening weekend.

Who stars in The Odyssey?

The movie stars Matt Damon as Odysseus, alongside Anne Hathaway, Tom Holland, Robert Pattinson, Zendaya, Lupita Nyong'o, and Charlize Theron.

Who directed The Odyssey?

The film was directed by Christopher Nolan.

What is the budget of The Odyssey?

The production budget is estimated at $250 million.

Was The Odyssey filmed with IMAX cameras?

Yes. It is the first feature film ever shot entirely with IMAX cameras.