THE ODYSSEY opens #1

Australian audiences have embraced Christopher Nolan’s THE ODYSSEY in extraordinary numbers, with the mythic action epic debuting at #1 and grossing $13,442,644 at the Australian box office from Thursday to Sunday.

The result marks the biggest opening weekend at the Australian box office in 2026 for all films. It is Universal’s third-biggest opening weekend of all time in Australia, behind Jurassic World ($16 million) and Fast & Furious 7 ($14.66 million), both released in 2015.

THE ODYSSEY has also delivered the biggest opening weekend of Christopher Nolan’s career in Australia for an original film, and his second-biggest opening overall, behind the superhero blockbuster The Dark Knight Rises ($15.1 million) in 2012.

Playing across 321 locations nationwide, THE ODYSSEY drew moviegoers to cinemas in a wide range of formats and experiences throughout its opening weekend, from traditional screens and luxury cinemas to IMAX, 4DX and special 70mm film presentations.

The scale of demand has seen local exhibitors throw their support behind the film with 16,888 sessions programmed across its first week of release.

“The way Australian audiences have embraced Christopher Nolan’s THE ODYSSEY has been extraordinary. Even before the film opened, the level of demand was unlike anything we had seen for an original film in some time, with cinemas adding midnight and even 6am sessions across the opening weekend to give moviegoers more opportunities to experience it on the big screen,” said Mike Baard, Managing Director, Universal Pictures International Australasia.

“What has been particularly exciting is seeing audiences actively seeking out the experience that is right for them. Whether it’s on the biggest screens, in premium and luxury cinemas, on 70mm film, or at their favourite local cinema, people clearly want the elevated experience of seeing THE ODYSSEY in a cinema. Exhibitors across the country have responded enthusiastically, adding sessions and opening ticket sales weeks in advance to meet that demand.

“A $13.4 million opening weekend is an extraordinary result, but what is most exciting for us is the enthusiasm behind those numbers. To see cinemas full, early-morning and midnight sessions selling, and audiences seeking out so many different ways to experience the film is incredibly rewarding.

“We’re equally thrilled by the response from critics, both here in Australia and around the world. To see a film of this scale and ambition connect so strongly with critics and moviegoers alike is something very special, and we’re excited to see audiences continue to discover it in cinemas over the coming weeks.”

The opening weekend follows a record-breaking opening day for THE ODYSSEY, which grossed $2.35 million on Thursday – the biggest opening day of 2026 and Universal’s biggest opening day ever for an original film in Australia. It also ranks as the sixth-biggest opening day in Universal’s history locally, with the five films ahead of it all belonging to established franchises.

Audience demand over the four days has extended across the full range of cinema experiences available in Australia. Traditional cinema screens accounted for 82% of the film’s box office, while 18% came from IMAX, IMAX 70mm, 70mm and 4DX presentations. Seven locations nationally are showing the film on 70mm, including one in IMAX 70mm, drawing fans from all over the world to Melbourne.

THE ODYSSEY has also received widespread critical acclaim, with 95% positive reviews from 377 critics captured on Rotten Tomatoes, alongside a similarly strong response from Australian critics, and a 97% popcornmeter rating from moviegoers.

The success in Australia has been mirrored around the world with the film opening to US$264 million globally with key international markets like China, Japan and South Kore yet to open.

THE ODYSSEY is in cinemas now.