According to Variety, the film currently stands at 429,65 million USD in North America and 578,8 million USD from international markets, bringing its total global revenue to 1,008 billion USD. At its current pace, "The Odyssey" is expected to soon become Nolan’s highest-grossing film, surpassing "The Dark Knight Rises" (1,08 billion USD) and "The Dark Knight" (1,008 billion USD).

Trailer for "The Odyssey", released in Vietnamese cinemas on 17/7, is rated 16+. Video: Universal Pictures Vietnam

Observers note that "The Odyssey’s" success indicates sustained audience interest in large-scale epic films on the big screen, alongside superhero entertainment. Despite being nearly three hours long and adapted from a nearly 3,000-year-old epic poem, the film has drawn viewers. This outcome solidifies Nolan’s standing as one of Hollywood’s top directors with proven box office appeal.

The film also joined the billion-dollar club before its release in Trung Quoc, the world’s second-largest cinema market. "The Odyssey" is slated to debut there on 14/8, with nearly 800 IMAX screenings and thousands of regular cinema halls. Furthermore, demand for IMAX showings in major markets like Los Angeles and New York is nearly booked through October, suggesting the film’s impact could extend for months. This format alone contributed 257 million USD to the film’s total gross.

"The Odyssey" is the fifth film this year to cross one billion USD, following: "Spider-Man: Brand New Day" (1,18 billion USD), "Toy Story 5" (1,067 billion USD), "The Super Mario Galaxy Movie" (1,001 billion USD), and "Michael" (1,001 billion USD).

Hollywood producers anticipate "The Odyssey" and "Spider-Man: Brand New Day" will help North American box office revenue exceed four billion USD this year. This marks only the second time since the pandemic that the market has reached this milestone. The last instance was in 2023, when Nolan’s "Oppenheimer" and Greta Gerwig’s "Barbie" both created a box office buzz.

Matt Damon as the lead character Odysseus. Photo: Universal Pictures

"The Odyssey" is adapted from Homer’s Greek epic, chronicling Odysseus’s journey back to Ithaca after the Trojan War. Matt Damon stars as Odysseus, Anne Hathaway plays his wife Penelope, and Tom Holland portrays their son Telemachus. The film also features Zendaya as the goddess Athena, Charlize Theron as the nymph Calypso, and Robert Pattinson as Antinous.

The director not only recounts Odysseus’s return journey but also explores the trauma, guilt, and repercussions of war. The Trojan War serves as the starting point for a narrative about survivors, with Odysseus confronting past sins and choices. This interpretation elevates the work beyond a mythological adventure, addressing themes such as violence, forgiveness, and the quest for self-discovery.

By Cat Tien (according to Variety)