Concerns that the FIFA World Cup final could hinder the box office performance of Christopher Nolan’s latest film, The Odyssey, proved unfounded following England’s defeat in the semi-finals. Film executives had feared that fans might prioritize watching Sunday’s World Cup final over attending cinemas, potentially limiting the movie’s opening weekend success in the UK.

The Odyssey, a three-hour epic starring Matt Damon as Odysseus—the Greek king of Ithaca—depicts his arduous 10-year journey home after the Trojan War. The film also features Anne Hathaway, Tom Holland, and Robert Pattinson. Released on Friday, the movie recorded one of its strongest UK opening weekends outside the United States.

The film earned £13 million in its opening weekend in the UK and amassed £197 million globally. This marked a significant milestone for Nolan, 55, representing his biggest worldwide opening and largest North American launch to date, excluding his Batman series. Domestically, it ranked as the third-largest debut of 2026.

The Odyssey achieved notable success at London’s BFI IMAX cinema, where it set a new opening weekend record by grossing £219,867. This surpassed the previous high held by Star Wars: The Last Jedi in 2017 (£216,454) and Nolan’s own 2023 release, Oppenheimer (£207,677). The film, distinguished as the first to be shot entirely with IMAX film cameras, has drawn sustained interest, selling out screenings at the BFI for eight consecutive weeks. Audience members have traveled internationally, including from Singapore, to view the film.

At the world premiere, Nolan dedicated The Odyssey to his late friend and IMAX mentor David Keighley, who passed away in August of the previous year. Nolan expressed that Keighley would have been proud and excited to share the film with its first global audience.