NEW YORK - Christopher Nolan's "The Odyssey" opened with an estimated $124.5 million in domestic ticket sales and $139.6 million from international markets, delivering a stronger start than "Oppenheimer" and the director's biggest debut since 2012's "The Dark Knight Rises."

Nolan demonstrated his unique box-office strength with a global launch that stood apart. Few directors today could deliver a star-driven, high-budget version of Homer's ancient poem. Yet in an industry dominated by established franchises, Nolan transformed one of literature's earliest epics into a major summer hit.

The Universal film represented a significant bet on Nolan following the 2023 best picture winner "Oppenheimer." With a $250 million production budget, it ranks among the costliest R-rated releases. Universal allocated roughly $125 million for promotion.

Still, no other director draws crowds like Nolan. Anticipation for "The Odyssey" ran so high that IMAX released tickets for select 70 mm screenings a full year early. To meet demand for Nolan's favored format, some venues added midnight and 3 a.m. shows that sold out quickly.

"It is deeply satisfying to witness the strong enthusiasm in theaters this weekend," said Jim Orr, Universal's head of domestic distribution. "Nolan has created a sweeping adventure that resonates powerfully with audiences."

Marketed as Nolan's first film shot entirely on IMAX cameras, the format captured a major share of revenue. Domestic IMAX sales reached $29.6 million and global totals hit $51.8 million, setting a company record. IMAX devoted its screens solely to "The Odyssey" for three weeks. Although only 41 IMAX screens offered 70 mm presentations, they generated $6.3 million.

"The IMAX experience elevated the film into a true global cultural moment," said Rich Gelfond, IMAX chief executive. "Tickets remain available for week five in select locations, with some already sold out."

Since the pandemic began, Nolan has led efforts to restore theatrical attendance. His "Tenet" ranked among the first major releases to return in 2020. In 2023, "Oppenheimer" paired with Greta Gerwig's "Barbie" to create one of the decade's standout moments. "Oppenheimer" ultimately reached $975 million worldwide.

"The Odyssey" arrived amid Hollywood's strongest summer since 2019. Ticket sales run 10.4 percent ahead of last year, per Rentrak. The industry anticipates the first $10 billion domestic year since the pandemic.

The main uncertainty for "The Odyssey" centers on how front-loaded its run may prove, since many viewers planned for this weekend months ago. The film encountered no new competition and faces none next weekend either.

Gelfond noted that advance sales for the second weekend rank among the top 10 in company history, indicating viewers are holding out for preferred formats. IMAX 70 mm screenings remain largely sold out for the coming month aside from select front-row seats.

"Christopher Nolan and Tom Cruise stand as the most visible champions of the theatrical experience," said Paul Dergarabedian, Rentrak's head of marketplace trends. "Nolan functions as a star in his own right behind the camera."

The audience skewed male at 59 percent of tickets. Orr described the turnout as "remarkably diverse," spanning ages and regions.

"It appeals to a 17-year-old and equally to a woman aged 55 and older," Orr added. "This suggests a long and successful run through summer and into fall."

The next release to offer competition, coincidentally, also stars Tom Holland and Zendaya: Sony's "Spider-Man: Brand New Day" on July 31.

"The Odyssey" features Matt Damon as Odysseus alongside Holland as Telemachus, Anne Hathaway as Penelope, Zendaya as Athena, Robert Pattinson as Antinous and Charlize Theron as Calypso.

Nolan's casting choices, including Lupita Nyong'o as Helen and Elliot Page as a soldier, drew criticism from some conservative voices. Elon Musk labeled Nolan a "coward" regarding Nyong'o's role.

Yet the backlash barely affected the film's status as a major cultural event. Reviews stand at 95 percent fresh on Rotten Tomatoes, among Nolan's strongest. Audiences awarded it an "A" CinemaScore.

PG-rated titles trailed "The Odyssey." Disney's "Moana" placed second with $19 million in its third weekend. After a soft $43 million debut, the live-action remake dropped 56 percent in its second frame. It has earned $178 million globally, disappointing for a $250 million production.

"Moana" was followed by Universal's "Minions and Monsters" and Disney's "Toy Story 5," each grossing near $15 million.

With final domestic numbers due Monday, this ranking reflects estimated Friday-through-Sunday sales at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Rentrak:

1. "The Odyssey," $124.5 million.

2. "Moana," $19 million.

3. "Minions and Monsters," $14.8 million.

4. "Toy Story 5," $14.8 million.

5. "Evil Dead Burn," $5 million.

6. "The Invite," $3.9 million.

7. "Young Washington," $3.7 million.

8. "Obsession," $2.5 million.

9. "Supergirl," $1.5 million.

10. "Disclosure Day," $1.5 million.