In a Seoul press conference, the director promotes the theater experience as the most personal yet communal space for sharing stories, arguing cinema thrives on audience immersion.

He frames Odyssey as an immersive adventure where viewers discover meaning, not a film that hands them all the answers, with a core goal of a theatrical experience.

Damon and Nolan met reporters in Seoul; Nolan expresses gratitude for Korean fan support, says he loves visiting Seoul and the Han River, and wants to hear from Korean audiences.

Odyssey follows Odysseus on a decade-long journey home, featuring a star-studded cast and exploring war’s aftermath and the will to return to family.

The cast includes Matt Damon as Odysseus, Charlize Theron as Calypso, Anne Hathaway as Penelope, Tom Holland as Telemachus, and Zendaya as Athena, with a running time around three hours.

The narrative centers on Odysseus’ 10-year voyage home from Troy, emphasizing heroism alongside remorse and atonement for those sacrificed in war.

Odyssey opened in Korea on August 5 and had already surpassed $900 million in overseas box office as of early August, signaling strong international performance.

Korean familiarity with Greek myth is noted, partly due to a popular manhwa, contrasting with the US/UK emphasis on the Iliad in education.

Odyssey has crossed $900 million globally within a month of its North American release, with a record opening in 69 countries and top-tier critical and audience reception.

Critical and audience response is strong globally, with high scores across Rotten Tomatoes (critics 95%, audience 97%), Metacritic 89, CinemaScore A, and a blockbuster opening.

Odyssey opens in Korea on August 5, 2026, with Nolan reiterating that the full theater experience is essential.

The Korea release positions Odyssey as a major summer release competing with other blockbusters, underscoring its global rollout.