Story perspectives

Odyssey pulls $90 M, earns “A” score amid criticism, protests.

7/28/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Odyssey earned $90 million in its U.S. second weekend and received an “A” CinemaScore.
Emily Wilson, a University of Pennsylvania professor, called the adaptation lacking in psychological, emotional, political and ethical depth.
Christopher Nolan said he used Wilson’s opening line “Tell me about a complicated man” to shape Matt Damon’s Odysseus.
In Greece, conservatives protested casting a Black actor as Helen while Tom Holland’s Telemachus received mixed reviews.

History

Historical Context

In 1915 D.W. Griffith released *The Birth of a Nation*, a box-office hit that provoked NAACP-led protests, bans in several cities, riots, and a brief Klan revival. The backlash demonstrated how cinematic portrayals can ignite cultural battles, a pattern echoed in 2024 when the film *Odyssey* faced Greek conservative outcry over casting a Black Helen.

1 of 2

Story summary

The Odyssey earned $90 million in its U.S. second weekend and received an “A” CinemaScore.
Emily Wilson, a University of Pennsylvania professor, called the adaptation lacking in psychological, emotional, political and ethical depth.
Christopher Nolan said he used Wilson’s opening line “Tell me about a complicated man” to shape Matt Damon’s Odysseus.
In Greece, conservatives protested casting a Black actor as Helen while Tom Holland’s Telemachus received mixed reviews.

1 / 2