‘The Odyssey’ becomes Universal’s highest-grossing film

The Odyssey has surpassed Jurassic World as the highest-grossing Universal Pictures film of all time just months after its release, PA Media/dpa reported.

The blockbuster, which was released on July 17, is an adaptation of Homer’s ancient Greek epic and follows Matt Damon as Odysseus, the Greek king of Ithaca, on his perilous 10-year journey home after the Trojan War.

The film, which has received strong reviews from critics, has surpassed US$1.677 billion worldwide, beating 2015 adventure film Jurassic World to become Universal’s biggest film to date.

Jurassic World, which stars Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard, grossed approximately US$1.671 billion globally during its theatrical run.

The Odyssey is expected to gross US$1.685 billion globally this weekend, making it the 12th highest-grossing film of all time and the third-biggest non-franchise title of all time.

It is the highest-grossing film of Christopher Nolan’s career, having made more than US$1 billion at the global box office less than a month after its release.

The 56-year-old wrote and directed The Odyssey, which he also produced alongside his wife, Emma Thomas.

Donna Langley, chairman of NBCUniversal entertainment, said: “What Chris and Emma have created will go down as one of the most ambitious and brilliantly executed films in cinematic history.

“A generational event that galvanises moviegoing itself.”

Oscar-winning filmmaker Nolan has directed blockbusters such as Tenet, Dunkirk, and Interstellar, as well as the 2012 Batman movie The Dark Knight Rises, which previously held the top spot as his biggest film.

The Odyssey is a three-hour epic which features a star-studded cast including Damon, Anne Hathaway, Robert Pattinson, Charlize Theron, Lupita Nyong’o, as well as Tom Holland and Zendaya.

The blockbuster debuted at number one worldwide and remained in the top position for two consecutive weekends both domestically and internationally.

It recently returned to the top spot globally in its eighth weekend.

It is also one of three Universal films to have grossed one billion dollars globally this year, alongside The Super Mario Galaxy Movie and Michael.

The Odyssey had a reported production budget of US$250 million, excluding marketing costs, making it one of the most expensive films of Nolan’s career.

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