IMAX screenings for Christopher Nolan’s upcoming epic, “The Odyssey,” have completely sold out a full year ahead of its cinematic release on July 16, 2026, per nme.com.
This week, 26 IMAX locations globally opened presales for the highly sought-after IMAX 70mm format, the director’s preferred viewing experience. The announcement, made precisely one year before the film’s premiere, ignited a ticket frenzy.
Reports from The Guardian confirm that all US screenings were snatched up within an hour. Both UK locations, London’s Science Museum and the BFI IMAX, also saw their tickets disappear rapidly. The swift sell-out has unfortunately led to scalpers exploiting demand, with tickets appearing online for as much as $300-$400 (£223-£297).
Currently still in production, Nolan’s “The Odyssey” is an ambitious adaptation of Homer’s ancient Greek epic poem. The film boasts an all-star cast including Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Zendaya, and Charlize Theron. It also marks a cinematic first, being the inaugural film shot entirely with IMAX large format cameras.
Nolan, renowned for his box-office successes like The Dark Knight Trilogy and Inception, has solidified his status as one of Hollywood’s most bankable directors. The immense hype surrounding The Odyssey follows the critical and commercial triumph of his previous film, Oppenheimer, which grossed over $975 million (£725 million) worldwide and secured seven Academy Awards in 2024, including Best Picture and Best Director for Nolan.
A steadfast advocate for the theatrical experience, Nolan has consistently prioritized cinema releases for his films. In line with this, a teaser trailer for “The Odyssey” was unveiled in cinemas earlier this month, notably withheld from online platforms to encourage moviegoers to see it on the big screen. The preview featured Tom Holland’s character, Telemachus, seeking information about his father, Odysseus, played by Matt Damon.
Stunt performer James Newman, involved in the project, has already lauded the film, stating in May, “They’re never going to make a movie like this again. I think it’s going to be an epic of all epics. It’s going to be Nolan at his best. No holds barred.”
•Featured image: Christopher Nolan/Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images
