Box office estimates are coming in for The Odyssey, which looks set to enjoy a very strong opening weekend amid hype for Imax screenings.
Christopher Nolan’s star-studded adaptation of Homer’s ancient Greek poem is the first film ever to be shot entirely on Imax 70mm film, and there is particular interest from moviegoers in seeing the movie in theaters capable of showing it at its best.
Deadline reports that The Odyssey has generated around $15 million in Thursday previews (the movie launches proper today, July 17) in North America, a figure that would cement its place as the best so far this year for a live-action movie, even ahead of Michael’s $12.6 million in previews. The Odyssey‘s reported previews tally is also ahead of Oppenheimer‘s ($10.5 million), but behind Nolan’s The Dark Knight Rises ($30.6 million) and The Dark Knight ($18.5 million).
As Deadline points out, one of the big box office questions facing The Odyssey is how it will fare in non-Imax theaters. Will people wait for Imax tickets to become available so they can see it in a premium format? Will they hold off on buying seats close to an Imax screen so they don’t have to put themselves through neck strain just to catch all the action?
Variety reports that The Odyssey has a projected $90-$100 million box office opening weekend in North America. If it manages that, The Odyssey would be Nolan’s biggest debut since The Dark Knight Rises brought in $160 million in 2012. But it’s a tough task — only blockbuster animated sequels Toy Story 5 and The Super Mario Galaxy Movie have debuted above $100 million this year. 2023’s Oppenheimer launched to $82 million, powered by the Barbenheimer phenomenon.
According to Variety, The Odyssey cost $250 million to produce, and Universal is spending around $125 million to promote it. That means it will need to have a very strong run at the box office to secure a profit.
IGN’s The Odyssey review returned an 8/10. We said: “The Odyssey adapts Homer through a new eye that brings a sense of horror and existential angst to the story — and some humor too. It may not be a perfect movie, but it’s a pretty great moviegoing experience all the same.” And if you've seen the movie yourself and have questions, check out our The Odyssey ending explained article.
Wesley is Director, News at IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at [email protected] or confidentially at [email protected].
