Charlize Theron Says The Odyssey Success Proves Audiences Still Want Theaters

Charlize Theron said the record-breaking performance of Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey has given Hollywood clear evidence that audiences still want to see movies in theaters. The actress, who plays Calypso in the film, made the comments on Saturday night at the sixth annual Block Party benefiting the Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project (CTAOP) at the Universal Studios Backlot in Los Angeles.

The Odyssey Becomes Universal’s Biggest Film Ever

Universal Pictures confirmed on September 12 that The Odyssey has surpassed $1.677 billion at the global box office, passing 2015’s Jurassic World to become the studio’s highest-grossing film of all time. The film has grossed $601.2 million domestically and $1.083 billion internationally.

The Odyssey is now the 12th highest-grossing film ever and the third-biggest non-franchise title of all time. It is also the highest-grossing R-rated film ever and the highest-grossing IMAX release in history.

NBCUniversal Entertainment Chairman Donna Langley said in a statement that what Nolan and producer Emma Thomas created will go down as one of the most ambitious and brilliantly executed films in cinematic history. She called it a generational event that galvanizes moviegoing itself.

Theron Reflects on Theatrical Success

Theron told The Hollywood Reporter at the event that the response has been particularly encouraging at a time when the industry remains uncertain about the future of moviegoing. ‘It’s so rewarding to see that people do want to go to the theaters,’ Theron said. ‘They do want to go and see movies, and if we were ever questioning it, we shouldn’t anymore.’

She added that she believes the film serves as a reminder that people love to watch movies in the theater. ‘I do think my industry is really worried about where we are going and what’s happening,’ she said. ‘I think we needed a little bit of this reminder that people do love to watch movies in the theater.’

Theron also expressed hope that Nolan will not remain the only filmmaker capable of turning his name into a theatrical event. ‘Let’s hope he’s not the only,’ she noted. ‘I know he hopes that he’s not the only one either. If anything, I think we should take encouragement from this. And I know that he, for sure, wants more of that.’

IMAX 70mm Run Extended Through September

The demand for IMAX 70mm screenings has been especially intense, with showtimes selling out weeks in advance and some fans turning to the resale market to secure tickets. IMAX has extended the film’s 70mm run through September 30, bringing the large-format exhibitor’s run to 11 weeks.

The Odyssey is the first feature shot entirely on IMAX film cameras. IMAX ticket sales for the film have surpassed $450 million.

Nolan Says Next Film Is at Least Three Years Away

Nolan has confirmed that audiences should not expect another feature film from him anytime soon. In an interview with Today while promoting The Odyssey, he said it will be ‘at least’ three years before his next movie arrives. ‘Oh, at least,’ he said when asked whether fans would need to wait another three years.

Nolan explained that the scale and demands of The Odyssey pushed both him and his collaborators to their limits, making a lengthy break inevitable before embarking on another major production. He described the experience as physically and creatively exhausting.

Awards Season and Digital Release

The Odyssey has also emerged as a major awards contender. Universal is expected to mount an aggressive campaign, hoping to deliver Nolan a second best picture and best director victory just three years after Oppenheimer. Variety’s current projection shows a path that tops out at 17 nominations.

A key question dominating awards conversations is whether Anne Hathaway, who plays Penelope, will be campaigned in the lead or supporting actress category. Nolan has long avoided awards strategy conversations until well after a film opens.

Universal Pictures has confirmed that The Odyssey will be released for digital rental and purchase and on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray and DVD on November 17, 2026.