Universal Pictures has released a highly anticipated film titled The Odyssey, which has generated significant interest, primarily due to the influence of its director, Sir Christopher Nolan, rather than its ensemble cast of renowned actors. The film features A-list stars such as Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong’o, Zendaya, and Charlize Theron, yet it is Nolan’s acclaimed reputation that appears to be the main draw for audiences.
Zak Hepburn, a film critic for ABC News Breakfast, remarks on a prevailing notion that the era of traditional movie stars is waning. He suggests that the iconic figures of old Hollywood, like Jimmy Stewart and John Wayne, who often collaborated with legendary directors, are becoming less common. However, with The Odyssey, Nolan is revitalizing this dynamic.
The narrative follows Greek hero Odysseus, portrayed by Matt Damon, as he embarks on a decade-long journey to return to his home on the island of Ithaca after the Trojan War. His quest is fraught with challenges as he strives to reunite with his beloved wife, Penelope, played by Anne Hathaway. The screenplay, crafted by Nolan, is inspired by ancient Greek mythology, specifically the works of the poet Homer, dating back to around the 7th century BC, a time known for its oral storytelling traditions.
The film has achieved remarkable success at the box office, grossing $263.8 million (approximately $376 million) worldwide, marking Nolan’s largest global opening to date. In Australia, it debuted at the top of the charts, amassing $13.4 million during its opening weekend—setting a record for 2026.
Hepburn further evaluates the film in his segment on News Breakfast, highlighting Nolan’s previous work, Oppenheimer, which was part of the double-feature phenomenon dubbed “Barbenheimer” in 2023. This pairing encouraged audiences to experience both Barbie and Oppenheimer together, leading to significant box office success and multiple Academy Award nominations for Nolan, including Best Picture and Best Director.
Nolan is celebrated for his blockbuster films, including The Dark Knight (2008), Inception (2010), Interstellar (2014), and the cult classic Memento (2000). Hepburn praises The Odyssey as a testament to Nolan’s “filmic tenacity,” positioning him alongside great directors like Stanley Kubrick and Steven Spielberg, who have redefined cinematic experiences for audiences.
Hepburn refers to Nolan as the “new king of Hollywood,” noting that his recent successes at the box office have solidified his status in the industry. Following an Oscar-winning film and the blockbuster success of The Odyssey, he has set high expectations for his future projects.
The film has garnered positive critical reception, boasting a 95% approval rating from critics and a 97% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. Jeremy Fee, general manager of IMAX Melbourne, notes that Nolan has consistently attracted audiences to theaters, emphasizing the importance of supporting local cinemas.
The Odyssey has surpassed Oppenheimer to become the highest-grossing film ever at IMAX Melbourne, which features the world’s largest 1.43:1 screen, the same aspect ratio in which the film was shot. It is also notable as the only cinema in the Southern Hemisphere screening the film in IMAX 70mm Film, a format that captures intricate details, allowing viewers to experience the film as intended by Nolan.
Despite some pre-release criticisms regarding casting choices and historical accuracy, Dr. Tom Hercules Davies, a classics and archaeology lecturer at the University of Melbourne, has observed that Nolan’s adaptation resonates with contemporary issues. He describes it as a compelling interpretation of The Odyssey that reflects the complexities of modern society, particularly in terms of migration and the dynamics of hospitality and social norms.
Dr. Davies highlights the relevance of the film’s themes in light of current global events, drawing parallels between the ancient world and contemporary challenges, suggesting that The Odyssey serves as a thought-provoking commentary on both past and present societal dynamics.
