Christopher Nolan’s ‘The Odyssey’ captures 290,000 South Korean viewers on opening day

Christopher Nolan's latest film 'The Odyssey' secured the top spot at South Korea's box office on its opening day, drawing 291,359 moviegoers on Wednesday, according to the Korean Film Council.

The action-packed epic accounted for 44.8 per cent of all ticket sales, marking a commanding start for the film centred on the Greek king Odysseus (played by Matt Damon) and his journey home after the Trojan War. As of Thursday morning, the film held 47.6 per cent of presales, ahead of 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day' at 34.2 per cent.

The opening day figure ranks third among all releases in South Korea this year, trailing 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day' (688,000 viewers) and the local sci-fi blockbuster 'Hope' (333,000 viewers). Among Nolan's previous South Korean releases, it ranks third as well: 'Oppenheimer' drew around 552,000 on its opening day in 2023, whilst 'The Dark Knight Rises' attracted approximately 441,000 in 2012.

Nolan visited South Korea earlier in the week to promote the film, his first official promotional visit to the country. The star-studded cast includes Anne Hathaway, Tom Holland, Charlize Theron and Zendaya.

The film's strong start reflects both Nolan's established appeal in the South Korean market and the broad commercial draw of large-scale Hollywood epics. With presales indicating sustained momentum, 'The Odyssey' enters its weekend with considerable momentum—a pattern that has historically benefited major studio releases in the region.