Christopher Nolan's epic pulled in $3.8 million this weekend, taking its domestic total to $616.6 million and sitting less than $10 million shy of the Avengers benchmark.
The Nolan‑directed spectacle The Odyssey is within striking distance of the Avengers’ North American haul. After its eleventh three‑day run it earned about $3.8 million, nudging the domestic total to $616.6 million.
And the IMAX contribution was notable – roughly $4 million came from the premium format this weekend alone. The film remains on the IMAX schedule until month‑end, a factor that could help it squeeze past the $623.3 million mark that the 2012 superhero ensemble set.
But the numbers aren’t all upward. Its earnings fell roughly 23 percent as the picture lost 525 screens, a typical contraction for a long‑running tentpole. Still, the dip didn’t stop the cumulative total from climbing.
What the Numbers Mean
The Avengers, released in 2012, still sits at $623.3 million in North America, making it the 15th highest‑grossing film on the continent. The Odyssey, with $616.6 million, is now the nearest challenger. Industry trackers say it needs under $10 million more to claim the slot, a gap that could be bridged in the next weekend or two.
If the film sustains even a modest weekend, the record is within reach. Analysts point to the holiday window and the lingering IMAX appeal as possible boosters. The movie’s worldwide gross has already topped $1.75 billion, underscoring its global pull.
And while the domestic race tightens, the broader picture remains impressive. Opening on July 17, the film has outperformed many summer blockbusters and continues to draw audiences despite a shrinking theater count.
So what’s next? The coming weekend will be the litmus test. If The Odyssey can hold its own against new releases and keep a decent per‑screen average, the Avengers’ North American record could fall.
Either way, the chase adds another chapter to Nolan’s already storied box‑office legacy. Fans and trade watchers alike will be counting the dollars, and the final tally could rewrite the top‑15 list.
The next box‑office report, due early next week, should confirm whether The Odyssey finally eclipses the 2012 juggernaut or settles for a close second.
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