Universal Pictures' The Odyssey captured the top spot at the UK and Ireland box office with a debut weekend of 12.5 million pounds, equivalent to $16.8 million. The film's opening represents Christopher Nolan's second-biggest premiere in the market, surpassing the performance of Oppenheimer.
The strong debut was driven by significant attendance at premium format screenings, which contributed to the film's overall performance across theaters in both countries. The Odyssey displaced the previous weekend's top film as audiences turned out for Nolan's latest project.
Nolan's decision to adapt Homer's ancient epic surprised many in the industry. After the massive success of Oppenheimer, which earned close to a billion dollars worldwide and won seven Academy Awards, the filmmaker had the freedom to pursue any project. He chose to bring The Odyssey to the screen at an unprecedented scale and level of artistic ambition.
The film stars Matt Damon as Odysseus, King of Ithaca, alongside Anne Hathaway as Penelope and Tom Holland as Telemachus. The story follows the battle-worn hero's 10-year journey home after the Trojan War, filled with encounters with monsters, gods, spirits, and sirens.
According to Nolan, The Odyssey's narrative structure has influenced cinema far more than people realize. "Whether it's the narrative through-line of Odysseus or the singular episodes that make up the epic, The Odyssey underpins almost all of cinema," Nolan explained. "It's certainly there in every movie I've ever done, to a degree I never before realised."
Nolan's wife and producing partner Emma Thomas revealed that the idea came from their family. "All our kids are into classical mythology, but one of them, Oliver, really loves these stories," she said. "Oliver said: 'What about The Odyssey? Nobody's really done that in a big movie form.' As soon as he said it, Chris and I both looked at each other, clearly thinking the same thing: He's absolutely right."
The Odyssey has already generated significant critical praise. Reviewers have described it as "a colossal piece of cinema," with the film drawing audiences to theaters for its visual spectacle and storytelling.
The UK and Ireland market represents a significant territory for Hollywood releases, often serving as an indicator of broader international appeal. Premium format screenings, including IMAX and other large-screen experiences, have become increasingly important revenue drivers for event films. The Odyssey's strong performance in these formats demonstrates continued audience appetite for large-scale theatrical experiences, particularly when paired with filmmakers known for delivering ambitious spectacle and narratives that reward the cinema experience.