July 17, 2025: In a historic moment for cinema, Christopher Nolan’s upcoming film The Odyssey has achieved what no other movie has: completely sold-out IMAX 70MM screenings a full year ahead of release.
Tickets for the July 17, 2026 release went on sale on July 17, 2025, exclusively for premium IMAX 70MM screenings — and demand was instant. Within minutes, Universal CityWalk’s coveted showings were nearly sold out, as confirmed by filmmaker Dan Marcus, who posted screenshots of the frenzied sales on social media.
“Within minutes, tickets for Universal CityWalk have nearly completely sold out for the first IMAX 70mm screening of The Odyssey a year in advance,” Marcus wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
He followed up with another update — confirming the show was entirely sold out.
A Cultural Phenomenon Before It Hits Screens
The overwhelming response highlights Nolan’s status as a cultural force. Reactions online ranged from awe to concern:
- “At this stage, if Nolan asks people to book one-way tickets to Jupiter, people will line up,” one user joked.
- “I’m wondering if there is a business model here. Sell a movie before you make it — use the proceeds to make the damn thing.”
- Others, however, criticized the model as “elitist,” saying it favored those able to book instantly while others were locked out.
This event sets a new benchmark in film marketing and fan engagement, with many calling it a once-in-a-generation phenomenon. Typically, even blockbuster films open bookings days or weeks ahead — not 12 months.
What’s Next for The Odyssey?
Details about the plot remain tightly guarded, but anticipation is fueled by Nolan’s reputation and the IMAX-first release strategy. The film, rumored to be a modern retelling of Homer’s epic with Nolan’s signature mind-bending style, will likely dominate the 2026 box office.
As pre-sales continue and discussions heat up online, one thing is clear: The Odyssey is already the most talked-about film of 2026 — a full year before its premiere.