The epic film "The Odyssey," directed by Christopher Nolan and starring Matt Damon and Zendaya, has achieved a new box office milestone, becoming the highest-grossing R-rated film in history. The movie has grossed an astonishing $1.3 billion worldwide, surpassing the 2024 record set by "Deadpool & Wolverine."

This achievement places "The Odyssey" as the second-highest-grossing R-rated film ever, with only 2019's "Joker" having previously crossed the $1 billion mark. The film also represents Christopher Nolan's highest-earning movie to date, exceeding his previous personal best with "The Dark Knight Rises" in 2012.

The film's success is further highlighted by approximately $40 million in ticket sales from 41 IMAX 70mm screenings. "The Odyssey" was exclusively shot with IMAX cameras, marking a first for any film.

Projections indicate that "The Odyssey" will continue to climb the charts, with an expected total surpassing $1.6 billion following its recent release in China and South Korea, and with a Japanese release scheduled for next month. Should the film reach $1.67 billion, it would become Universal Pictures' highest-grossing movie, overtaking 2015's "Jurassic World."

Currently, "The Odyssey" ranks second among all films released this year in terms of global box office revenue, behind "Spider-Man: Brand New Day," which has garnered $2 billion. "Spider-Man: Brand New Day" has achieved over $800 million in domestic box office revenue in record time.

"The Odyssey" features an ensemble cast including Tom Holland as Telemachus, the son of Odysseus (portrayed by Matt Damon), as well as Anne Hathaway, Charlize Theron, and Robert Pattinson. Anne Hathaway plays Queen Penelope in Nolan's Greek epic, which was released in theaters on July 17

Despite its commercial success, the film has faced criticism. Professor Emily Wilson, a classicist whose 2017 translation of Homer's "Odyssey" was cited by Nolan, expressed disappointment. In a review for the London Review of Books, Wilson described the script as "abysmal" and lacking "psychological, emotional, political and ethical depth," deeming its narrative structure "gimmicky."

"The Odyssey" has also drawn criticism from conservative commentators, including Elon Musk, regarding its casting choices. Specifically, the decision to cast Black actress Lupita Nyong'o as Helen of Troy and transgender actor Elliot Page as Sinon has sparked debate. The film's casting choices have sparked ire among conservative commentators, particularly the decision to feature Black actress Lupita Nyong'o as Helen of Troy and transgender star Elliot Page as Sinon (pictured)

Despite its commercial success, Nolan's blockbuster adaptation has also been blasted by professor Emily Wilson (pictured), whose translation Nolan cited while promoting the film

The epic based on the work of Homer is also the highest-ever earning film by Nolan whose past personal best was the The Dark Knight Rises' in 2012

The Odyssey has overtaken 2024's Deadpool & Wolverine to become the highest-grossing R-rated film ever with a global box office of $1.3 billion; Matt Damon and Zendaya seen in a still