Screenwriter Paul Schrader praised Christopher Nolan’s new film The Odyssey but warned about the risk of trying to replicate its success. In recent statements, he noted that a studio could face significant losses by investing in a direct sequel.
Schrader, known for his work on Taxi Driver, described The Odyssey as an exception within Hollywood and emphasized that its commercial success does not guarantee that another film can achieve the same. He expressed that a continuation could jeopardize a large investment without the certainty of a favorable audience response, leading him to conclude that “some fool will make the sequel and lose a fortune.”
In an interview with Deadline, while promoting The Basics of Philosophy at the 2026 Venice Film Festival, Schrader expressed his appreciation for Nolan’s adaptation, simply stating: “Yes, I liked it.” He also defended the film against criticism, pointing out that much of the controversy “is just clickbait.”
The Odyssey, distributed by Universal Pictures, had a budget of $250 million and achieved a worldwide gross of $1.550 billion. This success includes over $565 million from its box office in the United States and approximately $989 million from international markets, making it the highest-grossing R-rated production, surpassing Deadpool & Wolverine.
The film will remain in IMAX theaters until September 30 due to high demand. So far, it has grossed $457 million in this format, surpassing Avatar. Nolan used IMAX cameras to film The Odyssey in its entirety, utilizing 640 kilometers of film.
The Odyssey adapts Homer’s poem and follows Odysseus’s journey after the Trojan War, with Matt Damon starring and a cast that includes Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, and Zendaya, among others.
Source: www.infobae.com
