Update July 15, 3 p.m. EST— Although io9 hasn’t received a response from Universal, Fandango, or IMAX, Variety has confirmed our earlier speculation. Tickets for select 70mm IMAX screenings of The Odyssey will be available for purchase on Thursday, July 17, a year ahead of the film’s release. The original story continues below.
Christopher Nolan’s eagerly anticipated epic, The Odyssey, hits theaters exactly one year from this Thursday—mark your calendars for July 17, 2026. Interestingly, some select IMAX 70mm screening times have already started appearing on ticketing platforms. Under normal circumstances, this would be highly unusual given that a) it’s over a year in advance, b) Nolan is still in the process of completing the film, and c) the runtime hasn’t been finalized yet.
If you take a look at Fandango, you’ll see showtimes are listed. It might feel like a tease, especially if you want to secure your spot for the IMAX 70mm screenings on opening weekend. This is quite groundbreaking; typically, such early ticket sales don’t happen. In some cases, these listings may only be available through apps rather than browsers, but they are indeed visible. Check this screenshot for proof.
So, what does all this mean? io9 attempted to get comments from Universal, Fandango, and IMAX but as of this publication, we have not received any updates. Universal has previously released teaser trailers well over a year in advance, so it’s unclear whether this might be part of a broader marketing strategy. With the one-year countdown approaching on the 17th, it’s reasonable to expect the trailer to debut online soon, possibly coinciding with ticket sales for this highly anticipated format.
It’s worth noting that The Odyssey is set to break new ground in filmmaking. It will be the first feature-length Hollywood project entirely shot with IMAX 70mm cameras, a format only available in a few select theaters currently, with additional locations being constructed to be ready for the film’s release. Expectations for demand to see this movie in its intended format are incredibly high, justifying the advance ticket sales—even without a confirmed runtime.
You might wonder, are movie tickets typically sold this far in advance? Usually, major films offer tickets just a month or two ahead of the release date. But with a whole year to go, and given that the film isn’t even near completion, this is indeed a bold move. When it comes to spectacle and ambition, few can match what Christopher Nolan is known for. So, if you’re a Nolan fan, now is the time to keep an eye on your local theaters.
What are the highlights of The Odyssey? This epic promises dazzling visuals and a groundbreaking cinematic experience, thanks to its IMAX 70mm filming technique. Anticipation is already skyrocketing, and it may just redefine how we watch movies.
How can I buy tickets for The Odyssey? Tickets for advanced screenings go on sale on July 17, 2026. Keep an eye on reliable ticketing platforms like Fandango and IMAX to ensure you don’t miss out.
Is The Odyssey the first film to use IMAX 70mm cameras? Yes, this film is pioneering in that it is the first major Hollywood production to utilize this filming format entirely, setting a new standard for cinematic quality.
What is the significance of 70mm IMAX screenings? IMAX 70mm offers a superior visual experience, presenting images with stunning clarity and detail, allowing viewers to immerse themselves fully in the film.
Is there an official trailer yet for The Odyssey? As of now, a trailer has yet to be released, but it is expected to drop soon, considering the film’s approaching release date.
Stay tuned for updates as we eagerly await more news about this exciting cinematic event. For the latest in movie news, don’t forget to check out Moyens I/O.