Nolan's Epic Extends Imax 70mm Engagement Into Late September
Christopher Nolan's 'The Odyssey' will keep playing on 39 Imax 70mm screens through September 30, stretching its large-format run to 11 weeks. The film has earned $1.55 billion globally, making it Universal's second-highest grossing release ever, and its Imax 70mm screenings alone have pulled in $66 million across 41 venues. It already holds the record as the top-grossing Imax release of all time with $457 million from that format.
The extended Imax 70mm engagement underscores the film’s unusual longevity in premium formats, with 39 theaters now carrying it through September 30. That pushes the large-format run to 11 weeks, a rare feat for a summer release. The format’s per-screen average of $1.6 million across 41 venues highlights how dedicated audiences continue seeking out the immersive experience, even as newer titles enter the marketplace. Universal’s decision to hold screens reflects both the film’s commercial strength and the studio’s confidence in its sustained draw.
The $457 million Imax total represents nearly a third of the film’s global gross, demonstrating that premium formats are driving a significant share of modern blockbuster revenue. With $66 million from 70mm alone, the format remains a niche but lucrative draw for cinephiles. This extension also keeps the film in the conversation during awards season, potentially boosting its cultural footprint beyond box office numbers.
This extended run may influence how studios schedule premium-format releases, as it shows that dedicated audiences will return for immersive experiences over many weeks. It could also shape exhibitor strategies, encouraging them to reserve Imax screens for proven hits rather than rotating new titles quickly. For moviegoers, the availability of 70mm showings preserves a traditional theatrical experience that streaming cannot replicate, potentially reinforcing the value of cinemas as destinations for event films.