Box Office: ‘The Odyssey’ Kicks Off With an Epic $17.6 Million in Previews

Christopher Nolan has returned to the big screen with his latest project, The Odyssey. The film secured $17.6 million in preview screenings, marking a strong start for the director's follow-up to Oppenheimer. This figure positions it as the highest-grossing preview performance for any film released this year, eclipsing the previous record held by Toy Story 5.

Industry analysts estimate an opening weekend haul between $90 million and $100 million. If these predictions hold true, the movie could become the third release of 2026 to surpass the $100 million mark during its debut. The film carries a production budget of $250 million, plus substantial marketing costs, making it a high-stakes release for Universal Pictures.

Public interest remains high, driven by the director's signature approach to large-format cinematography. The Odyssey is the first feature shot entirely with Imax cameras, a choice that has triggered intense demand for premium screenings. Ticket buyers are booking rare showtimes to secure their seats, reflecting the pull of Nolan's reputation.

The cast features several recurring collaborators alongside new additions, including Matt Damon, Zendaya, and Robert Pattinson. Critics have responded with favor, as the film holds a 96% rating on review aggregators. Its ability to maintain momentum in theaters will determine if it achieves financial success on par with previous blockbusters.