The Odyssey Nears Oppenheimer at US Box Office, Becomes Nolan's Third Highest-Grosser
- The Odyssey has earned over $330 million in the US, closing in on Oppenheimer's lifetime domestic gross.
- It is now Christopher Nolan's third highest-grossing film ever, behind only The Dark Knight Rises and The Dark Knight.
- The film achieved this milestone in 13 days, before the release of the new Spider-Man movie.
- Translator Emily Wilson has criticised Nolan for writing the screenplay himself, sparking debate.
A Rapid Box Office Climb
Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey is charging through North American theatres. The epic has earned over $330 million domestically in just 13 days, placing it inches away from surpassing the lifetime gross of his previous hit, Oppenheimer.
Industry estimates show the film is now Nolan's third highest-grossing release ever in the US. Only The Dark Knight Rises and The Dark Knight sit above it. The achievement comes even as a major new release — the latest Spider-Man film — prepares to enter the market.
Surpassing Oppenheimer's Legacy
Oppenheimer ended its North American run with a little over $330 million. The Odyssey crossed that threshold in under two weeks. The pace suggests strong word-of-mouth and repeat viewership, even for a three-hour mythological epic.
The film's performance is notable given its source material. Homer's ancient Greek poem is not typical summer blockbuster fare, but Nolan's adaptation has drawn audiences with its visual scale and star-studded cast. The director has once again proven his ability to turn complex narratives into commercial successes.
Literary Criticism Meets Pop Culture
The box office milestone arrives alongside a public debate about the film's authorship. Emily Wilson, the acclaimed translator of The Odyssey, recently stated that Nolan should not have written the screenplay himself. Her comments drew a sharp response from author Joyce Carol Oates, who criticised Wilson's remarks as reflecting "the crude language of Maga folks."
Wilson has been vocal about her concerns regarding the adaptation. She argues that a director without formal training in classical literature may miss the nuances of the original text. Nolan, known for his meticulous screenwriting, has not publicly responded to the criticism.
What Comes Next
With the Spider-Man sequel now in theatres, The Odyssey faces its first real test of holding power. However, its early momentum suggests it could maintain strong numbers through the coming weeks.
All eyes are now on whether the film can cross the $400 million mark domestically, a feat only Nolan's Batman films have achieved. If it does, The Odyssey will cement its place as one of the director's biggest triumphs — box office debate and literary critique notwithstanding.