Nolan’s The Odyssey surpasses 6 million admissions in 17 days, marking first-ever all-IMAX production

Master filmmaker Christopher Nolan’s ambitious epic The Odyssey is fueling a massive box-office surge in theaters. The film surpassed 6 million admissions just 17 days after its release, securing third place among this year’s top-grossing films in South Korea.

Blistering pace outstrips rivals, with 71.8% share of advance bookings

According to official figures released by distributor Universal Pictures, the film crossed the 6 million mark on the afternoon of the 21st. It achieved the milestone just 17 days after its debut on the 5th. Although it fell short of the record set by Spider-Man: Brand New Day at 13 days, it reached the milestone three days faster than The Man Who Lives with the King, which took 20 days. The feat pushed director Yeon Sang-ho’s Gunche, with 5.95 million admissions, out of third place and propelled The Odyssey into the spot.

There is no sign of the theater frenzy cooling. As of 4 p.m. on the 21st, The Odyssey had captured a staggering 71.8% of advance bookings. It was firmly holding the top spot, leaving Spider-Man 4, at 11.4%, far behind, with more than 759,000 advance-ticket buyers waiting. The film is also rapidly closing the gap with Spider-Man 4, which ranks second at the year’s box office with 7.74 million admissions.

First film shot entirely with IMAX cameras, drawing tribute from Matt Damon

Homer’s immortal epic The Odyssey, which provides the story’s foundation, tells the sweeping tale of the hero Odysseus and his arduous journey home. The film’s biggest box-office draw is widely seen as its status as the first in cinema history to shoot its entire running time with IMAX film cameras, giving audiences an overwhelming visual spectacle and sound on another level.

Matt Damon, who stars in the film, expressed his special gratitude for the explosive response in South Korea. In a video message released by Universal Pictures, he said, “The support, passion and affection Korean audiences have shown us mean more to everyone involved in the production than words can express.” He added, “If you haven’t experienced this epic journey yet, please be sure to see it on the biggest screen possible,” urging audiences to watch the film in theaters.