Christopher Nolan's "The Odyssey" is shattering presale expectations even before reaching theaters.

AMC chief executive Adam Aron announced on X that the film posted the company's strongest first-day ticket sales for any studio release since 2022.

"My apologies if you encountered a long ticketing line on the AMC web site and app yesterday," Aron said.

Based on Homer's ancient Greek epic, "The Odyssey" has generated global buzz since Universal Pictures greenlit the project in late 2024. Its trailer amassed more than 120 million views within the first day, fueled by an all-star ensemble.

Matt Damon stars as Odysseus, joined by Anne Hathaway, Robert Pattinson, Zendaya, Tom Holland, Charlize Theron, Mia Goth, Lupita Nyong'o, and additional high-profile talent.

The release arrives three years after Nolan's "Oppenheimer" earned seven Academy Awards and paired with Greta Gerwig's "Barbie" to create a cultural sensation.

Although the film opens July 17, advance sales began unusually early when IMAX placed select screens and showtimes on sale a full year ahead. Viewers who missed the initial window received another chance Thursday for premium large-format tickets.

Aron noted on X that only two music-driven releases from AMC's own distribution arm surpassed "The Odyssey" in first-day sales: Beyonce's Renaissance concert film in 2023 and Taylor Swift's concert films in 2023 and 2025.

Despite setbacks from the pandemic and streaming competition, theater attendance is recovering. An April Fandango study found Gen Z and millennials leading the resurgence, attending more screenings and spending more than older demographics.

The report credited a strong 2025 release slate, demand for shared experiences, and social appeal for driving an average of seven films seen by both generations last year.

"For Gen Z, it is a form of social gathering. For Millennials, it is an escape from daily routine," the report stated.

AMC confirmed the trend Monday, reporting more than 25 million guests in May, the highest May total since 2019.

"These immensely satisfying results reflect the strength of a diverse film slate, one that was driven both by established blockbusters with their well-known characters along with entirely new IP," Aron said in a press release. "This current measure of success, combined with the many compelling movies coming to our screens in the weeks and months ahead, gives us great confidence as we look to the rest of 2026."