Christopher Nolan has once again proven that he plays by his own rules. His upcoming epic The Odyssey has made headlines by launching ticket sales a full year before its scheduled release — an unprecedented move in film history. The buzz is real, and the excitement is already building for what promises to be Nolan’s most ambitious project yet.
Tickets Now Available for IMAX 70mm — One Year in Advance
On July 17, 2025 — exactly one year ahead of the film’s release — advance tickets for The Odyssey officially went on sale. But not just any tickets. These are exclusive to IMAX 70mm venues, Nolan’s preferred format and one that has become a hallmark of his cinematic identity.
This is the first time a major studio has offered advance tickets so far ahead of a film’s debut. The sale rollout started at midnight EDT, as confirmed by IMAX’s official social media. Given Nolan’s enormous and loyal fanbase, these tickets are expected to sell quickly — despite being available only at a limited number of IMAX-equipped theaters.
Tickets on sale for the first IMAX 70mm screenings of #TheOdysseyMovie. One year from now. https://t.co/B6z1mqBRA2 pic.twitter.com/L3WuorxHrn
— IMAX (@IMAX) July 17, 2025
Limited IMAX Venues Across the Globe
Currently, there are only about 30 IMAX theaters worldwide capable of projecting in 70mm film. In the U.S., theaters like AMC Lincoln Square in New York are part of the lineup. In the UK, the BFI IMAX in London is also expected to sell tickets. Manchester Printworks has teased the film but hasn’t confirmed ticket availability yet.
During the release of Oppenheimer, many fans traveled across states — and even countries — to catch the film in this immersive format. Now, with The Odyssey being the first-ever feature filmed entirely with IMAX film cameras, similar, if not greater, travel activity is anticipated.
A Cinematic Milestone: First Film Shot Entirely on IMAX Film Cameras
The Odyssey holds another historic distinction: it is the first feature-length film captured entirely using IMAX film cameras. This feat wouldn’t have been possible without technical advancements made after Oppenheimer. Nolan reportedly urged IMAX to address key limitations in their equipment, including film processing challenges and the heavy weight of the cameras.
As IMAX CEO Rich Gelfond revealed, Nolan made a deal: if IMAX could overcome those hurdles, he’d shoot his next film — The Odyssey — fully on IMAX film. And true to his word, he’s doing exactly that. These upgraded IMAX cameras are currently exclusive to Nolan, but they will be made available to other directors after The Odyssey wraps.
Star-Studded Cast for a Legendary Tale
Nolan’s The Odyssey is a cinematic retelling of the ancient Greek epic attributed to Homer. Matt Damon takes the lead as Odysseus, the cunning king of Ithaca who must navigate gods, monsters, and betrayal on his decade-long journey home after the Trojan War.
Tom Holland appears as Telemachus, Odysseus’s son, who features in the teaser trailer speaking with a mysterious character played by Jon Bernthal. The cast is packed with A-list talent including:
- Zendaya
- Anne Hathaway
- Lupita Nyong’o
- Robert Pattinson
- Charlize Theron
- Mia Goth
Penelope, Odysseus’s faithful wife, is expected to be a central character, although her casting remains under wraps for now.
The mythological journey includes encounters with iconic figures such as the Cyclops Polyphemus, the enchantress Circe, the alluring Sirens, and even a descent into the Underworld.
Budget, Trailer, and Marketing Momentum
With a net production budget of $250 million, The Odyssey is Nolan’s most expensive film to date. The success of Oppenheimer, which grossed nearly $1 billion worldwide — with IMAX contributing over $190 million — has cemented Nolan as one of the rare directors who can deliver global blockbusters with artistic credibility.
The first teaser trailer for The Odyssey debuted exclusively in theaters, playing ahead of Jurassic World: Rebirth, which opened over the July 4th weekend. Although the film is still in production, Universal and Nolan seized the marketing opportunity presented by Rebirth’s wide theatrical draw.
While the teaser has leaked online, it still created substantial buzz, especially with brief glimpses of key characters and an early taste of the film’s sweeping visuals.
A New Benchmark in Hollywood Marketing
This ticket pre-sale campaign isn’t just about box office numbers — it signals a shift in how event films may be promoted in the future. Releasing tickets a year early not only builds anticipation but also secures early revenue and locks in IMAX audiences well before opening weekend.
Universal and Nolan are clearly betting big on The Odyssey being a cultural juggernaut. And if past performance is any indicator, they might just be right.
