LOS ANGELES – Director Christopher Nolan’s adaptation of The Odyssey had an epic debut, grossing US$264.1 million (S$341 million) in global ticket sales on its opening weekend, including US$124.5 million in the US and Canada, Universal Pictures said on July 19.

The film, based on the ancient Greek poem by Homer, stars Matt Damon as the Greek hero Odysseus, and follows his perilous journey home after fighting the Trojan War.

It is Nolan’s first movie since the 2023 blockbuster Oppenheimer, which won Academy Awards in several categories, including directing and best picture.

“There’s just palpable excitement across the domestic market this weekend for The Odyssey,” said Jim Orr, Universal’s president of domestic theatrical distribution.

The film topped the weekend’s domestic and global box office, according to Rentrak.

It had broad appeal with moviegoers, with half of ticket-buyers between the ages of 18 and 34 years old, Orr told Reuters.

The strong opening performance of the film is a testament to Nolan’s popularity among moviegoers.

“Modern audiences should not be underestimated on their knowledge of film and film-makers,” said Paul Dergarabedian, Rentrak’s head of marketplace trends.

“And that passion they have for film is manifest in their devotion to Christopher Nolan. It really is a thing.”

The Odyssey cost US$250 million to ​make. It received an A CinemaScore from filmgoers who attended opening-night screenings, and an audience rating of 97 per cent on Rotten Tomatoes.

The film ranks among Nolan’s biggest opening weekends.