“The Odyssey” earned a sensational $87 million from 3,943 North American theaters in its second weekend of release, according to studio data, marking a durable box office run for director Christopher Nolan’s R-rated adaptation of Homer’s epic poem starring Matt Damon as the Greek king Odysseus.
Box Office Durability and Second-Weekend Holds for “The Odyssey”
Ticket sales for “The Odyssey” declined just 30% from its $123.5 million debut, according to box office reports. Most tentpole films that open above $100 million typically drop by 50% or more in their second weekends. According to industry tracking, this turnout represents the second-biggest sophomore outing for an R-rated movie, trailing only Disney’s “Deadpool & Wolverine,” which earned $96 million in its second weekend after a $221 million domestic launch.
After two weekends in theaters, the big-budget adaptation has grossed $286.4 million in North America and $639.6 million globally. Gross noted the film’s trajectory in his newsletter, stating, “‘The Odyssey’ is showing that kind of holding power” where a movie opens big and plays for weeks.
Premium Format Dominance and Imax 70mm Performance
“The Odyssey” has driven significant ticket sales in premium large formats, serving as the first feature shot entirely with high-tech Imax cameras, according to production details. While most films use Imax only for select action sequences due to the bulky equipment, “The Odyssey” has generated $140 million globally in Imax, including $78 million domestically and $62 million internationally.
Imax’s 70mm screens—limited to 41 locations worldwide—contributed $5.2 million over the weekend and $16.9 million to date, making up 12.1% of the total Imax box office. According to Imax CEO Richard Gelfond, the film “has crossed over from hit blockbuster to global cultural event,” with showtimes sold out into September.
Did You Know? There are only 41 Imax 70mm screens operating worldwide, which drove high demand and sold-out showtimes for Christopher Nolan’s preferred format stretching deep into September.
Greek Mythology at the Box Office: “Hadestown” and Other Releases
“The Odyssey” wasn’t the only mythology-inspired title drawing crowds. “Hadestown: The Musical,” a filmed version of the Broadway show, debuted with $9.6 million from 1,949 theaters, according to distribution reports. By comparison, the theatrical version of “Hamilton” earned $10.1 million from 1,825 screens upon its release, while Broadway live-captures like “Waitress: The Musical” and “Merrily We Roll Along” opened to $2.6 million and $1.3 million, respectively.
Originally scheduled for a five-day run, the folk-operatic retelling of Orpheus and Eurydice is extending its theatrical run. Crosswalk, LD Entertainment, and Bleecker Street plan to add additional dates and showtimes due to audience demand.
Performance of Disney and Universal Holdovers
Disney’s live-action “Moana” secured second place with $10.5 million from 4,015 locations in its third weekend, marking a 40% decline. The film has reached $102.5 million domestically and $228.2 million worldwide against a $250 million production budget. Meanwhile, Pixar’s “Toy Story 5” captured third place with $10 million from 3,375 domestic theaters in its sixth outing, a 27% drop. With global earnings at $1.022 billion, “Toy Story 5” is nearing the $1.07 billion global total of 2019’s “Toy Story 4.”
Universal and Illumination’s “Minions and Monsters” tied with “Hadestown” for fourth place, adding $9.6 million for a $155 million domestic tally after four weekends. The animated prequel has earned nearly $400 million globally against an $85 million budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much has “The Odyssey” grossed globally?
After two weekends, “The Odyssey” has grossed $286.4 million in North America and $639.6 million globally.
What is the second-weekend drop for “The Odyssey”?
Ticket sales declined by 30% from its $123.5 million debut, earning $87 million in its sophomore frame.
How many Imax 70mm screens exist worldwide?
There are 41 Imax 70mm screens globally, which contributed $16.9 million to the film’s box office total.
How much did “Hadestown: The Musical” make in its debut?
The filmed Broadway version earned $9.6 million from 1,949 theaters during its opening weekend.
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