Tickets for Christopher Nolan’s upcoming film, The Odyssey, are now on sale for Imax theaters equipped to screen the movie in 70mm film. This move marks a new milestone in movie marketing, as tickets have gone on sale exactly one year before the film’s official release date.
The sale began at midnight EDT on July 17, according to Imax’s official social media accounts. This is believed to be the first time tickets have gone on sale a full year in advance for any movie. However, only a limited number of Imax theaters in the United States currently have the capability to screen films in 70mm format, making these screenings especially rare and sought after.
The Odyssey stars Matt Damon as Odysseus, the legendary hero from Greek mythology. Notably, the entire movie is being filmed using Imax cameras on 70mm film—a first for any commercial feature. This innovation was made possible following Nolan’s recent success with Oppenheimer, which led him to ask Imax to upgrade their cameras and solve previous technical challenges such as film processing and camera weight.
Imax CEO Rich Gelfond shared that Nolan pushed the company to improve its equipment. “Chris called me and said, ‘If you can solve these problems, I will shoot 100 percent of Odyssey in Imax,’” Gelfond said during the Cannes Film Festival. This collaboration resulted in new film cameras now reserved for Nolan’s use, with plans to rent them to other directors after The Odyssey wraps.
Nolan is well-known for his use of Imax cameras. He previously used them in films like Dunkirk, Interstellar, The Dark Knight trilogy, and Tenet.
The Odyssey carries a net production budget of $250 million, making it Nolan’s most expensive film to date. The success of Oppenheimer, which grossed nearly $1 billion worldwide with Imax screenings contributing 20% of that total, underscores Nolan’s ability to deliver blockbuster films that appeal to wide audiences.
The film features an all-star cast including Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Jon Bernthal, Zendaya, Lupita Nyong’o, Robert Pattinson, Charlize Theron, and Mia Goth alongside Matt Damon.
The story retells the epic journey of Odysseus, the king of Ithaca, as he struggles to return home to his wife Penelope after the Trojan War. His voyage includes encounters with mythical creatures such as the Cyclops Polyphemus, the Sirens, the sorceress Circe, and even a visit to the Underworld.
The first teaser for The Odyssey premiered exclusively in theaters, shown before Universal’s Jurassic World Reignited. The timing was strategic, as Jurassic World drew large audiences over the July Fourth holiday weekend, offering a perfect platform to introduce Nolan’s new film.
Releasing the teaser so early is unusual, especially since The Odyssey is still in production. However, Universal and Nolan’s team seized the chance to generate excitement for the film early on. Despite an online leak of the teaser and ticket sale information, the official early ticket sale highlights the growing trend of event-style movie launches.
With limited 70mm screenings available, fans eager to see Nolan’s The Odyssey on the large, immersive Imax format are encouraged to book early. This bold marketing approach reflects Nolan’s commitment to the highest-quality cinematic experience and sets new standards for film release strategies.
