‘The Odyssey’ Sets Sail With $17.6 Million in Thursday Previews

Entertainment NewsBox OfficeOpening WeekendNew ReleasesTheatrical ReleasesBlockbustersBusinessDistributionFilmFilm InsightsIMAXDirectorsNew MovieRatingsPremiere

Jul 17

Written By Jonathan P. Moustakas

Christopher Nolan’s epic fantasy adventure is targeting an opening weekend between $85 million and $100 million domestically.

Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey has launched its theatrical run with a strong $17.6 million from Thursday preview screenings, positioning Universal Pictures’ epic adaptation of Homer’s classic poem for one of the biggest openings of the summer.

The film earned the preview total from approximately 3,900 North American locations and is currently projected to debut between $85 million and $100 million domestically. Internationally, The Odyssey is eyeing a global opening weekend approaching $200 million as Universal looks to capitalize on premium format demand for the filmmaker’s latest blockbuster.

Starring Matt Damon as Odysseus, The Odyssey follows the legendary Greek king’s decade-long journey home following the Trojan War as he battles mythical creatures, the wrath of the gods and his own past in an effort to reclaim his throne and reunite with Penelope, played by Anne Hathaway. The ensemble also features Tom Holland, Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong’o, Zendaya, Charlize Theron and Jon Bernthal.

The $250 million production marks another ambitious theatrical event for Nolan and is the first feature film shot entirely with IMAX film cameras. Premium Large Format screenings, particularly the limited number of IMAX 70mm presentations, have become some of the most sought-after movie tickets of the year.

POPULAR ON THE CINEMA GROUP

While The Odyssey is the only nationwide release opening this weekend, it arrives following several high-profile titles that debuted below expectations. Universal is also expected to benefit from a relatively quiet release calendar before Sony’s Spider-Man: Brand New Day arrives on July 31, giving the film additional room to build momentum.

The debut also follows Nolan’s remarkable commercial resurgence with Oppenheimer, which opened to $82.4 million domestically before earning nearly $1 billion worldwide and winning seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Nolan’s first Oscar for Best Director. His biggest domestic opening remains The Dark Knight Rises, which debuted to $160 million in 2012.

Early critical reception has also been strong, with The Odyssey earning some of the best reviews of Nolan’s career and further strengthening its outlook as audiences head into opening weekend.