Johannesburg, 22 July 2026: Universal Pictures’ Christopher Nolan epic, The Odyssey, has opened to record-breaking success, delivering the filmmaker’s biggest opening weekend ever, both globally and in South Africa.
The film grossed an extraordinary US$264.1 million worldwide during its opening weekend. In South Africa, The Odyssey opened across 142 cinema screens and generated more than R7.7 million at the box office during its first three days, supported by numerous sold-out shows across premium large-format cinemas.
The film also set a new benchmark for IMAX in South Africa, delivering the biggest three-day IMAX opening weekend ever recorded in the country and the biggest IMAX opening of 2026.
Based on Homer’s legendary epic, The Odyssey follows Odysseus on his perilous journey home after the Trojan War, where he encounters mythical creatures, powerful gods and impossible challenges. Matt Damon stars as the legendary hero, leading an acclaimed ensemble cast that includes Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong’o, Charlize Theron, Jon Bernthal, Mia Goth, Elliot Page, John Leguizamo, Corey Hawkins and Benny Safdie.
The film is also a landmark achievement in filmmaking. The Odyssey is the first feature film ever shot entirely with IMAX film cameras, capturing extraordinary image detail, scale and immersion. Whether experienced in IMAX at Ster-Kinekor, Scene Xtreme at Nu Metro, or another premium large-format cinema, audiences see more of every frame, accompanied by the powerful sound and spectacular visuals that Christopher Nolan intended for the biggest screens.
With exceptional word of mouth and record-breaking momentum behind it, The Odyssey has firmly established itself as one of the defining cinema events of 2026. Tickets are available now at cinemas nationwide.