Christopher Nolan’s ‘The Odyssey’ Success Strengthens Universal Partnership
9 reported
According to a Variety report, the opening-weekend success of Christopher Nolan's Imax epic "The Odyssey" has solidified his status as a bankable auteur and highlighted the importance of his partnership with Universal Pictures. The film earned nearly $265 million globally in its first frame, the best start of Nolan's career, with analysts predicting it could gross $1 billion worldwide. The report details how NBCUniversal entertainment and studios chairman Donna Langley wooed Nolan to Universal five years ago after his split with Warner Bros., fending off Sony, Paramount, and Apple Studios to land his film "Oppenheimer." Langley secured Nolan with a deal that guaranteed a lengthy exclusive theatrical window, a marketing spend equal to the film's $100 million budget, and a generous portion of first-dollar box office grosses, earning Nolan a reported $100 million. For "The Odyssey," insiders say Nolan will again receive first-dollar gross, though his deal is thought to be more standard than the "Oppenheimer" pact. The report notes that Warner Bros. attempted to win Nolan back, including a seven-figure payment in 2022 for fees he waived for "Tenet," but the effort did not succeed, especially after Warner Bros. scheduled "Barbie" on the same July 2023 release date as "Oppenheimer."
What’s reported
"The Odyssey" earned nearly $265 million globally in its opening weekend, the best start of Nolan's career.
Analysts predict the film could gross $1 billion worldwide.
Donna Langley wooed Nolan to Universal five years ago after his split with Warner Bros.
Langley fended off Sony, Paramount, and Apple Studios to land "Oppenheimer."
The "Oppenheimer" deal guaranteed a lengthy exclusive theatrical window, marketing spend equal to the $100 million budget, and first-dollar grosses.
Nolan earned a reported $100 million in fees and back end for "Oppenheimer."
For "The Odyssey," insiders say Nolan will again receive first-dollar gross, though the deal is thought to be more standard.
Warner Bros. cut a seven-figure check to Nolan in 2022 for fees he waived for "Tenet."
Warner Bros. scheduled "Barbie" on the same July 2023 release date as "Oppenheimer," seen as baiting Nolan.
Key figures
Christopher Nolan, director
Donna Langley, NBCUniversal entertainment and studios chairman
Jason E. Squire, professor emeritus at USC School of Cinematic Arts
Mike De Luca and Pamela Abdy, incoming leaders of Warner Bros. in 2022
Emma Thomas, Nolan's partner
Sources: Variety
