Christopher Nolan's 'The Odyssey' projected for up to $120M domestic opening weekend

Christopher Nolan's adaptation of the Homer epic The Odyssey is projected to have a massive opening at the weekend box office, though forecasts vary widely on the exact figure.

Written and directed by Nolan, The Odyssey begins with preview screenings on Thursday before opening in theaters nationwide on Friday. The film marks Nolan's first big-screen spectacle since his historical biopic Oppenheimer, which opened in mid-July 2023. While the social media reactions embargo for The Odyssey lifted on July 6, drawing enormous praise from critics and journalists, the final verdict arrives Wednesday when the review embargo lifts.

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Cast and Characters

The Odyssey stars Matt Damon as Odysseus, the Greek king of Ithaca, who after the Trojan War embarks on a perilous, years-long trek to reunite with his wife, Queen Penelope (Anne Hathaway), and their son, Prince Telemachus (Tom Holland). The ensemble cast includes:

• Robert Pattinson as Antinous
• Zendaya as Athena
• Charlize Theron as Calypso
• John Leguizamo as Eumaeus
• Samantha Morton as Circe
• Lupita Nyong'o as Helen of Troy and her twin sister, Clytemnestra
• Benny Safdie as Agamemnon
• Jon Bernthal as Menelaus
• Himesh Patel as Eurylochus
• Mia Goth as Melantho
• Corey Hawkins as Polybus
• Elliot Page as Sinon
• Bill Irwin as Polyphemus (the Cyclops)

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Long-Range Projections Trending Upward Since Late June

Long tracking projections for the domestic opening of The Odyssey cast a wide net:

• June 26: Deadline projected the lowest range among box office prognosticators, with an $80 million to $100 million opening for the Universal Pictures release.
• July 3: Box Office Pro projected a $100 million to $120 million opening.
• July 5: Box Office Theory — founded by Fandango director of analytics Shawn Robbins — projected a $118 million opening, with a low end of $98 million and a high end of $132 million.

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Comparison to 'Oppenheimer'

By contrast, Oppenheimer — part of the Barbenheimer craze — earned $82.4 million (including Thursday previews) in its opening frame from 3,610 North American venues from July 21–23, 2023. The film ultimately achieved:

• Domestic total: $330 million
• International total: $646.7 million
• Worldwide total: $976.6 million

Oppenheimer was also an awards season success, winning seven Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director for Christopher Nolan, Best Actor for Cillian Murphy, and Best Supporting Actor for Robert Downey Jr.

Theatrical Release Details

The Odyssey is opening in 3,800 North American venues, according to The Numbers, including standard IMAX, 70mm IMAX, and other Premium Large Format (PLF) venues. While IMAX and PLF screenings will help boost the film's overall box office, there is a downside.