Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey has officially set sail to box office glory, raking in a staggering $264 million worldwide in its opening weekend. That's more than double the entire theatrical run of 2026's biggest flop, Supergirl, which has limped to just $121 million globally against a reported $170 million budget.
The epic adaptation of Homer's classic poem, starring Matt Damon as Odysseus, has been hailed as a cinematic triumph. Critics have showered it with near-universal praise, earning a 95% Rotten Tomatoes score. Collider's Perri Nemiroff called it "a filmmaking feast," while Joe Schmidt dubbed it an "unrivaled cinematic spectacle." The film's domestic haul of $124.5 million and international take of $139.5 million make it Nolan's biggest global opening ever and Universal's largest R-rated launch in history.
Damon, who previously played supporting roles in Nolan's Interstellar and Oppenheimer, finally takes the lead as the King of Ithaca. He's joined by an all-star ensemble including Anne Hathaway, Tom Holland, Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong'o, Zendaya, Charlize Theron, Jon Bernthal, Mia Goth, Elliot Page, and Benny Safdie. The film's blend of familiar Nolan collaborators and fresh faces has only added to the buzz.
In contrast, Supergirl—the second installment of James Gunn and Peter Safran's DC Universe, starring Milly Alcock as Kara Zor-El—has been a box office disaster. Following the success of 2025's Superman, the sequel failed to connect with audiences, earning just $121 million worldwide. The Odyssey has already more than doubled that total in a single weekend, highlighting the stark divide between Nolan's epic and the DC misfire.
For more on how Nolan crafted the film's unforgettable soundscape, check out How Christopher Nolan Made the Sirens' Song Truly Unforgettable in 'The Odyssey'. And if you're curious about how it stacks up against other blockbusters, read How 'The Odyssey' Overtook 'Moana' at the Box Office by $178 Million.
The film's success is a testament to Nolan's ability to draw audiences to theaters, even for a three-hour R-rated epic. With its stunning visuals, powerful performances, and faithful yet innovative take on the source material, The Odyssey is poised to dominate the box office for weeks to come. Meanwhile, Supergirl serves as a cautionary tale about the risks of big-budget superhero sequels that fail to capture the magic of their predecessors.
Both films are currently playing in theaters. For more box office analysis and entertainment news, stay tuned to ShowtimeSpot.
