Universal and Imax announced an extension of 70 mm screenings for Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey” into mid-September as ticket demand continued to outpace availability. Moviegoers have been purchasing seats rapidly to experience the film in its original aspect ratio and on physical film stock, the format in which Nolan shot the production.
The scarcity of suitable venues has contributed to the surge in demand. Only 25 screens across the United States and 41 locations globally are equipped to project physical film reels of “The Odyssey.” While Imax operates various screen formats including digital versions that replicate the 70 mm aspect ratio, those versions are often cropped to accommodate specific theater dimensions. In response to the high volume of interest, Imax introduced late-night and early-morning showtimes to accommodate additional viewers.
The financial performance at Imax locations has been substantial relative to the film’s overall box office. As of the recent weekend, Imax ticket sales reached $140 million globally, representing just over 20 percent of the film’s $652 million worldwide total. This performance is particularly notable given that Imax venues account for less than 1 percent of available screens. A comparable situation occurred in 2023 when Nolan released the Oscar-winning biography “Oppenheimer.”
“The Odyssey” has maintained strong momentum at the broader box office, with second-week domestic ticket sales declining 27 percent from the opening weekend. Industry analysts consider such a decline favorable, as typical Hollywood blockbusters experience weekly drops ranging from 50 to 70 percent following debut weekends. The smaller decline suggests positive audience reception and repeat viewings. Advance booking has also contributed to the film’s performance, with some screening slots becoming available for purchase in July 2025.
The film’s theatrical dominance faces upcoming challenges. Sony and Marvel’s “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” was scheduled to arrive this Friday, with additional Imax-formatted features including “The End of Oak Street” and “Resident Evil” approaching. Imax’s next 70 mm commitment is scheduled for Dec. 18, when Warner Bros. and Denis Villeneuve’s “Dune: Part Three” enters theaters.
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