Universal’s The Odyssey dominated the U.K. and Ireland box office this weekend, securing £12.5 million ($16.8 million) in its debut. The film’s performance outperformed Oppenheimer to become the second-biggest opening frame in the market, fueled by high demand for premium large-format screenings at venues like the BFI Imax.
Premium Large Formats and the Rise of Event Cinema
According to box office data, the BFI Imax in London recorded its highest-grossing three-day opening weekend in history, earning $294,249. This result surpassed the previous record set by Star Wars: The Last Jedi in 2017 ($289,682).
The London site reported 173 consecutive sold-out showtimes, logging over 82,000 admissions and generating $2.9 million in total ticket sales. With a 94% occupancy rate, the site has cemented The Odyssey as its third highest-grossing title of all time.
Did you know?
The BFI Imax’s previous weekend record was held by Star Wars: The Last Jedi before it was eclipsed by the opening of The Odyssey.
Market Performance of Current Box Office Hits
While The Odyssey led the market, other long-running titles continued to draw audiences. Disney’s Toy Story 5 secured second place with $2.2 million in its fifth weekend, bringing its running cume to $60.6 million. The studio also held the third spot with its live-action Moana, which added $2 million in its sophomore session for a $7.4 million total.
Universal’s Minions & Monsters remains a strong performer, sitting in fourth place with $12.5 million in total earnings after three weeks. Meanwhile, genre films are maintaining a steady presence; Studiocanal’s Evil Dead Burn took fifth place in its second weekend, banking $406,258 for a $2.2 million total.
Diverse Slate Scheduled for Upcoming Releases
The theatrical pipeline for the coming weeks features a mix of family animation, restored classics, and niche documentaries. Miracle/IHeart Cinema plans a wide release for Chickenhare And The Secret Of The Groundhog across more than 300 screens, signaling a continued effort to capture family audiences.
Independent and archival titles are also finding space in the market. Park Circus is re-releasing the Aardman classic Chicken Run in over 100 locations, and Curzon is rolling out a 4K restoration of Andrei Tarkovsky’s Nostalghia. Other upcoming releases include:
- Concert Events: Sia: Nostalgic For The Present (Trafalgar)
- Drama: On The Sea (Verve Pictures)
- Documentaries: Brunello Cucinelli: The Gracious Visionary (Picturehouse Entertainment) and Ask E. Jean (Dogwoof)
- International Cinema: The India Story (Zee Studios International) and A Useful Ghost (Mubi)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which film holds the current weekend record at the BFI Imax?
The Odyssey currently holds the record for the highest three-day opening weekend at the BFI Imax, earning $294,249.
How does the performance of The Odyssey compare to Oppenheimer?
The Odyssey outperformed Oppenheimer in its debut weekend, marking the second-biggest opening frame in the market.
What are some of the upcoming films scheduled for release?
Upcoming releases include Chickenhare And The Secret Of The Groundhog, a 4K restoration of Nostalghia, and the concert film Sia: Nostalgic For The Present.
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