Christopher Nolan's 'Odyssey' Surpasses 10 Million Viewers in South Korea

Christopher Nolan's film 'Odyssey' has surpassed 10 million viewers in South Korea. It is the second film this year to reach this milestone in the domestic box office, following 'The King’s Affection,' and the first foreign film to do so in 2026.

According to distributor Universal Pictures, 'Odyssey' crossed the 10 million mark around 4 p.m. on September 6, achieving this record 33 days after its release on August 5. The film attracted 301,247 viewers on September 5 alone, bringing its cumulative total to 9,768,259, and saw a surge in attendance over the weekend, reaching the 10 million milestone the following day.

The film's box office performance has been remarkable. 'Odyssey' surpassed 5 million viewers on its 13th day and reached 7 million on the 19th day. Its explosive start indicated an early prediction of hitting the 10 million mark. It broke the 800,000 viewer threshold in just 24 days, setting a record for the fastest foreign film to do so this year, and exceeded 900,000 viewers on the 27th day, three days faster than 'Avatar: The Way of Water,' which reached that number on its 30th day. In doing so, 'Odyssey' surpassed the final scores of the highest-grossing foreign films in the past three years, including 'Elemental' (7.24 million), 'Inside Out 2' (8.79 million), and 'Zootopia 2' (8.61 million), making it the highest-grossing foreign film in South Korea.

'Odyssey' maintained its position at the top of the box office on September 5. While 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day' continued its long run with a cumulative total of 8,737,145 viewers, 'Odyssey' drew in nearly 10 million viewers, leading the race to 10 million. Even in its fifth week, it held the top spot in real-time ticket sales, with ticket reservations in the high 200,000s, demonstrating its staying power.

Globally, 'Odyssey' has also performed exceptionally well. Since its release, it has topped the box office in 69 countries, with a global opening weekend gross of $264.06 million, surpassing 'The Dark Knight Rises' to set a record for Nolan's highest opening. As of September 6, the worldwide box office revenue exceeded $1.56 billion, placing it second in global box office rankings for 2026. North American earnings are around $570 million, while international earnings outside North America are approximately $980 million. The film has received a 97% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, a notable achievement for an epic adaptation in a market dominated by superhero sequels and established franchises.

Nolan's achievement with 'Odyssey' is significant, as he previously attracted 10 million viewers in South Korea with 'Interstellar.' With 'Odyssey,' he becomes one of the few foreign directors to have two films reach the 10 million mark in the country. His reputation has been solidified through films like the 'Dark Knight' series, 'Inception,' 'Dunkirk,' 'Tenet,' and 'Oppenheimer.'

'Odyssey' tells the story of Odysseus, the hero who leads the Greeks to victory in the Trojan War, as he battles the wrath of the gods to return home. Adapted from Homer's 'Odyssey,' regarded as the first great epic of humanity, the film explores universal themes of human will, homecoming, and the conflict between gods and humans, all presented through Nolan's grand scale and philosophical perspective.

The film has been praised for its need to be experienced on large screens with high-quality sound. It combines real locations, live stunts, practical effects, and the latest IMAX technology with minimal CGI, creating a realistic portrayal of the myth. It is the first film in history to be shot entirely in IMAX film format. Demand for special screenings, such as IMAX and Dolby Cinema, surged before its release, leading to rapid sellouts, and some fans resorted to purchasing tickets on the black market for over $100.

Promotional events leading up to the release also contributed to its success. In August, Nolan, producer Emma Thomas, and actors Matt Damon and Charlize Theron visited South Korea to meet with the press and fans. Related events and interview footage circulated online, boosting the film's visibility before its release.

Interest in 'Odyssey' has extended beyond theaters. According to Kyobo Bookstore, sales of related books, including 'Odyssey' and 'The Odyssey,' increased by approximately 600% compared to the same period last year. In the second week of August, related titles ranked second in the comprehensive bestseller lists of Kyobo Bookstore and Yes24. Sales growth was consistent across various formats, including children's editions, translations, and e-books. Additionally, search interest for 'Odyssey' on Millie's Library increased by 3.3 times compared to before the film's release, while searches for 'Greek and Roman mythology' rose by 3.6 times, surpassing previous adaptations like 'Project Hail Mary' and 'The Fall.'

Exhibitions have also attracted audiences. A special exhibition titled 'Greece: The Great Civilization Shaped by the Sea,' which opened on August 11 at the National Incheon Marine Museum, focuses on the 6,000-year history of ancient Greece, including the story of Odysseus. Exhibits related to Homer and characters like Agamemnon have drawn in moviegoers.

With 'Odyssey' surpassing the 10 million viewer mark, attention now turns to its final audience count. Its strong performance in the box office and ticket sales in its fifth week raises the possibility of setting a new record for Nolan's highest-grossing film in South Korea. 'Odyssey' is currently showing in theaters nationwide.