'Odyssey': How Nolan Used 'Star Wars' for Epic Start

Director Christopher Nolan found inspiration in the iconic opening of 'Star Wars' when crafting the beginning of his film, 'The Odyssey.' Nolan sought to evoke a similar immersive experience by using the preface "A time of apparent magic." This approach aimed to make the magical elements of the story feel grounded by acknowledging how ancient peoples might explain the inexplicable. He specifically chose the word 'apparent' to reflect this. As of August 10, 2026, 'The Odyssey' has achieved remarkable commercial success, particularly in IMAX. It has surpassed James Cameron's 'Avatar' to become the highest-grossing IMAX film of all time. The film has garnered $289 million from IMAX screens worldwide, with future releases in China and Japan anticipated. Its overall global gross has reached an impressive $1.1 billion and continues to grow, demonstrating its broad appeal against strong competition like Marvel's 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day.'