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'The Odyssey' debuts atop weekend box office
Christopher Nolan's 'The Odyssey' has become the highest-grossing R-rated film of all time with $1.352 billion worldwide, surpassing 'Deadpool & Wolverine.' The film also leads in South Korea, where it has topped 7 million admissions, and is set for a digital release on Nov. 17.
Christopher Nolan's "The Odyssey" has officially become the highest-grossing R-rated movie of all time, with a worldwide gross of $1.352 billion, according to figures reported by Deadline and Variety. The film overtook the previous record-holder, 2024's "Deadpool & Wolverine," which had earned $1.338 billion globally.
The milestone was first signaled by Ryan Reynolds, star of "Deadpool & Wolverine," who congratulated the "Odyssey" team on X before Universal made the announcement official. "Congratulations to the entire cast and crew of The Odyssey for becoming the highest grossing R-rated movie of all time," Reynolds wrote.
Released on July 17, "The Odyssey" has collected $516 million domestically and $835 million internationally, as reported by multiple outlets. The film's overseas performance has been particularly strong, with the UK contributing $92.7 million, France $69.3 million, and Italy $55.6 million, according to figures compiled by The Numbers and reported by Livemint. International markets account for the bulk of the film's earnings, a factor that underscores its global appeal.
Nolan's Biggest Hit
The film is now Nolan's highest-grossing movie, surpassing "The Dark Knight Rises," which earned $1.08 billion worldwide. It also ranks as IMAX's highest-grossing release of all time, outpacing "Avatar" ($271 million), with IMAX contributing $354 million in revenue, as noted by Variety.
"The Odyssey" opened to $264.1 million globally, the biggest debut of Nolan's career, and its $139.6 million overseas opening was also his best internationally. Domestically, the film's $123.5 million debut was the third-best for Nolan, behind "The Dark Knight Rises" ($160.8 million) and "The Dark Knight" ($158.4 million), according to Deadline.
The film is one of five releases in 2026 to cross the $1 billion mark, and only the third R-rated film ever to do so, following "Joker" and "Deadpool & Wolverine," as reported by India Today and Variety. Its success is notable given the R-rating, which the Motion Picture Association cited "for violence and some language." In the UK, the film is rated 15, and in Australia it carries an M-rating.
Dominance in South Korea
In South Korea, "The Odyssey" has been a box-office force. It drew 291,359 viewers on its opening day, accounting for 44.8% of ticket sales, according to data from the Korean Film Council. That opening was the third-highest among 2026 releases in the country, after "Spider-Man: Brand New Day" and "Hope," and the third-highest among Nolan's films there, after "Oppenheimer" and "The Dark Knight Rises."
Over its first weekend, the film added 1,333,437 admissions, dethroning "Spider-Man: Brand New Day" from the top spot, with total admissions reaching 1,874,731 as of that Sunday, Yonhap reported. By late August, "The Odyssey" had surpassed 7 million admissions, while "Spider-Man: Brand New Day" had crossed 8 million, according to distributor data cited by Yonhap.
The film's momentum in South Korea was supported by Nolan's first official visit to the country to promote the project, as reported by Yonhap. The film also moved into third place among the year's highest-grossing films in Korea, overtaking "Colony," which had drawn about 5.95 million viewers.
Home Entertainment Release
"The Odyssey" will be available for digital rental and purchase starting Nov. 17, with a 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray release on the same day, as reported by Variety and India Today. The release comes 123 days after its theatrical debut, mirroring the strategy used for Nolan's "Oppenheimer," which also spent 123 days in theaters before arriving on home formats.
The film stars Matt Damon as Odysseus, the Greek king of Ithaca, on his perilous journey home after the Trojan War. The ensemble cast includes Anne Hathaway, Tom Holland, Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, Charlize Theron, Jon Bernthal, John Leguizamo, Lupita Nyong'o, Elliot Page, and Mia Goth.
Perspectives
Ryan Reynolds (via X): Congratulated the cast and crew of "The Odyssey" on becoming the highest-grossing R-rated movie of all time, calling it "one helluva car."
How each outlet told it
Deadline
Framing: Headline is cut off but appears to emphasize becoming highest-grossing R-rated movie, omitting other details. — Celebratory and factual, using 'officially', 'record', and 'power of legs'.
Facts Included:
The Odyssey has become highest-grossing R-rated movie with $1.352 billion, surpassing Deadpool & Wolverine ($1.33B)
Ryan Reynolds announced on social media before Universal made official
It is Nolan's highest-grossing movie, surpassing The Dark Knight Rises ($1.085B)
It is one of five movies to cross $1B this year
It is second highest-grossing worldwide YTD behind Spider-Man: Brand New Day ($2.039B)
Breakdown: $835.6M overseas, $516.3M stateside
Opened to $264.1M global, biggest for Nolan ahead of Dark Knight Rises ($249M)
Overseas opening of $139.6M was biggest for Nolan internationally
Deadpool & Wolverine still owns biggest global R-rated opening ($444.7M) and stateside ($211.4M)
Domestic opening of $123.5M was third best for Nolan
Now entering sixth weekend of release
Cast includes Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway, John Leguziamo, Tom Holland, Jon Bernthal, Zendaya, Charlize Theron
Framing: Headline focuses on IMAX's stock performance and business, using 'fuels' to link the film's success to corporate gains, omitting the film's broader cultural or box office context. — Promotional and enthusiastic, supported by 'record high', 'best month ever', and 'awakening'.
Facts Included:
IMAX shares rose 3.9% to a record high at NYSE
July was IMAX's best month ever, August expected similar
The Odyssey is IMAX's highest-grossing film ever
Odyssey revenue at IMAX locations was roughly $400 million, topping Avatar's $270 million record
IMAX CEO Rich Gelfond described an 'IMAX awakening'
IMAX shares have more than doubled in the past year, closed at $54.79
IMAX grew theater count by 38 in Q2, total 1,809 locations in 80+ countries
China revenue slid to $34.8M in H1 from $57.8M in H1 2025
Dune: Part Three tickets went on sale, and 'Digger' and 'Avengers: Doomsday' are upcoming
Framing: Headline emphasizes OTT release plan and Oppenheimer-style strategy, omitting box office record. — Neutral and descriptive, using 'according to Variety' and 'reportedly'.
Facts Included:
The Odyssey will be available digitally from November 17, 2026 and on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray same day
Digital release comes exactly four months after theatrical debut on July 17, 123-day window
Strategy mirrors Oppenheimer's approach from November 2023
Film has grossed around $1.352 billion globally, highest-grossing R-rated film
Third R-rated film to cross $1 billion after Joker and Deadpool & Wolverine
Emerges as Nolan's highest-grossing, surpassing The Dark Knight Rises ($1.08 billion)
Set new record for IMAX, highest-grossing IMAX film ever
Cast and plot details: Matt Damon as Odysseus, Anne Hathaway, Tom Holland
Framing: Headline emphasizes international markets' role in reaching $1.35 billion, framing it as a global phenomenon. — Analytical and appreciative, using 'powered' and 'record-breaking'.
Facts Included:
The Odyssey has reached $1.35 billion worldwide
International markets contributed bulk of earnings: $516M North America, $834M international (or $836M in later paragraph)
Top overseas territories: UK $92.7M, France $69.3M, Italy $55.6M
Also strong in Australia, South Korea, Spain, Mexico, China
R-rating details: MPA for 'violence and some language', UK 15 'strong violence', Australia M 'mature themes, violence and coarse language'
Comparison to other R-rated successes: Joker, Deadpool & Wolverine, Oppenheimer ($977M), Deadpool, Deadpool 2, Matrix Reloaded, It, Logan
Surpassed The Dark Knight Rises as Nolan's biggest
Exact worldwide total: $1,352,782,297
Production details: written/directed by Nolan, produced by Syncopy, released by Universal
Cast includes Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, Charlize Theron, Lupita Nyong'o, Jon Bernthal, Elliot Page, Mia Goth, John Leguizamo
Framing: Headline focuses on OTT release plan, citing 'strategy' and 'Nolan' approach, omitting box office records. — Informative and neutral, using 'according to Variety' and 'has enjoyed extended theatrical run'.
Facts Included:
The Odyssey will be available digitally from November 17 and on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray same day
Digital release comes 123 days after theatrical debut on July 17
Strategy matches Oppenheimer's 123-day window
Film has earned around $1.352 billion worldwide, highest-grossing R-rated film
Third R-rated film to cross $1 billion after Joker and Deadpool & Wolverine
Surpassed The Dark Knight Rises as Nolan's highest-grossing movie
IMAX run set a new record
Cast includes Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway
Framing: Headline emphasizes the R-rated record, setting The Odyssey against Deadpool & Wolverine, omitting other details. — Celebratory and record-focused, supported by 'blockbuster', 'sensation', and 'massive tally'.
Facts Included:
The Odyssey is the highest-grossing R-rated movie of all time with $1.352 billion worldwide
It overtook Deadpool & Wolverine ($1.338 billion)
The film landed in theaters on July 17, with $123 million domestic debut
It has generated $516 million domestically and $835 million internationally
IMAX has racked up $354 million in revenue
Ryan Reynolds congratulated the cast and crew on X
It is Nolan's biggest movie, surpassing The Dark Knight Rises ($1.08 billion)
It is IMAX's highest-grossing release, outpacing Avatar ($271 million)
Cast includes Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong'o, Zendaya, Charlize Theron, Elliot Page, Jon Bernthal, John Leguizamo
Framing: Headline focuses on digital and Blu-ray release dates, emphasizing availability, omitting box office records. — Neutral and informative, supported by 'will be available' and review quotes.
Facts Included:
The Odyssey will be available digitally and on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray from November 17
Theatrical debut was July 17, making a four-month window
Nolan and Universal used similar approach with Oppenheimer (123 days)
Film has earned roughly $1.35 billion worldwide, highest-grossing R-rated film, surpassing Deadpool & Wolverine
It has grossed more than $500 million domestically
IMAX has contributed $257 million (note: this figure differs from other Variety article's $354M, but as provided)
It ranks as IMAX's highest-grossing release
Cast includes Matt Damon, Tom Holland as Telemachus, Anne Hathaway as Penelope, Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, Charlize Theron
Variety review quotes: 'nary a dull moment' and 'more sensually than emotionally felt'
Framing: Headline emphasizes the leak online, framing it as a 'slap in the face', and includes Spider-Man, focusing on piracy as a crisis. — Alarmed and critical, using 'slap in the face', 'lawless new universe'.
Facts Included:
Pirated versions of The Odyssey and Spider-Man: Brand New Day leaked online on X within eight days of release
Millions watched pirated versions
Spider-Man: Brand New Day played for 5.9 million X accounts on opening day before shutdown
Piracy costs industry $75 billion a year, projected to reach $125 billion by 2028 (Kearney and Muso)
Average movie ticket costs $16
Summer box office hit $4 billion only second time since COVID
2026 total box office was more than $6.5 billion
Titles like Obsession, Backrooms, Toy Story 5, Devil Wears Prada 2 also affected
Interviews with Jonathan Eirich and Larissa Knapp
Comments on Meta AI glasses, physical media piracy, and MPAA efforts
Notably, X is 'notoriously difficult' for takedowns, no response from X spokesperson
Framing: Headline highlights the opening day attendance figure and box office top position, focusing on local (South Korean) performance, omitting global records. — Neutral and factual, supported by 'data showed Thursday' and specific figures.
Facts Included:
The Odyssey drew 291,359 moviegoers on its opening day in South Korea
It accounted for 44.8 percent of all ticket sales on opening day
It is the third highest opening day figure this year after Spider-Man: Brand New Day (688,000) and Hope (333,000)
It is the third highest opening day among Nolan's films in South Korea after Oppenheimer (552,000) and The Dark Knight Rises (441,000)
As of 10:03 a.m., The Odyssey accounted for 47.6 percent of ticket presales, Spider-Man: Brand New Day 34.2 percent
Nolan made an official visit to South Korea earlier this week to promote the film
The film follows Odysseus (Matt Damon)'s homecoming after the Trojan War
The cast includes Anne Hathaway, Tom Holland, Charlize Theron, Zendaya
Framing: Headline emphasizes debut at top of weekend box office, highlighting competition with Spider-Man, omitting global context. — Neutral and factual, using 'data showed' and specific figures.
Facts Included:
The Odyssey debuted atop weekend box office in South Korea, dethroning Spider-Man: Brand New Day
It added 1,333,437 admissions over the weekend, total 1,874,731 as of Sunday
Spider-Man: Brand New Day drew 1,264,531 admissions, total 5,911,933
Other films: Heartsping Of Love 2 (289,451), Hope (100,889)
As of 8:14 a.m. Monday, The Odyssey had 63.5% of ticket presales, Spider-Man 21.2%
Framing: Headline highlights admissions milestones for both films, focusing on the local race, omitting global context. — Neutral and statistical, using 'data showed' and specific numbers.
Facts Included:
Spider-Man: Brand New Day surpassed 8 million admissions in South Korea, 26 days after release
The Odyssey topped 7 million admissions on Sunday
As of 2 p.m., The Odyssey had reservation rate of 71.5%, Spider-Man 9.2%
Data from local distributors: Sony Pictures and Universal Pictures
Framing: Headline emphasizes the admissions milestone in South Korea, focusing on local performance and comparisons. — Neutral and comparative, using 'according to Universal Pictures' and 'data from the Korean Film Council'.
Facts Included:
The Odyssey surpassed 6 million admissions in South Korea on Friday, 16 days after release
Released on Aug. 5
It was four days slower than Spider-Man: Brand New Day, which was fastest this year
Spider-Man passed 6 million on 13th day
The Odyssey crossed mark three days earlier than The King's Warden
The King's Warden reached 6 million on 20th day, drew 16 million viewers since Feb. 4
Moved to third place among this year's highest-grossing films in South Korea, overtaking Colony (5.95 million)
Each row is one claim, attributed to the outlet whose wording states it most clearly. Confidence rates how directly the source text states the claim — explicit and unhedged rates high; hedged, pieced-together, or internally inconsistent statements rate lower. It does not measure whether the claim is true. Status counts the distinct outlets we found asserting it — so a single-source claim can still show high confidence, and a multi-source claim can show medium. Every one of those outlets is named beside the status, so you can check the count against the list. For claims extracted before we began storing that list, the row says so: it names the outlet the claim is quoted from and states that we have not recorded which outlets backed it. Outlets wrote at different times, so a figure that evolves — a casualty count, for example — can legitimately differ between rows; check the "as of" time next to each claim's source.
Claim
Confidence
Status
ClaimThe Odyssey drew 291,359 moviegoers on its opening day in South Korea.
ClaimThe cast of The Odyssey includes Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, Charlize Theron, Lupita Nyong'o, Jon Bernthal, Elliot Page, Mia Goth and John Leguizamo.
ClaimThe Korean animated film Heartsping Of Love 2 : The Legend of the Whale Jewel placed third, drawing 289,451 admissions over the weekend, while Hope followed next with 100,889 admissions.