What to know about Christopher Nolan's 'The Odyssey'
Christopher Nolan's "The Odyssey" is already shaping up to be one of the year's biggest movie events.
Advance tickets for select IMAX 70mm screenings went on sale Thursday, prompting long virtual queues on some theater websites as fans rushed to secure seats for the epic, Nolan's first feature since the Oscar-winning "Oppenheimer."
Here's what to know about "The Odyssey."
What is 'The Odyssey' about?
Based on the ancient Greek epic poem by Homer, "The Odyssey" follows the legendary hero Odysseus as he embarks on a perilous journey home following the Trojan War.
The story, considered one of the most influential works of literature ever written, chronicles Odysseus' encounters with mythical creatures, powerful gods and dangerous obstacles as he attempts to reunite with his wife and son.
Universal Pictures has described the film as a "mythic action epic" that brings Homer's classic tale to the big screen on a grand scale.
Who is in the cast?
Matt Damon stars as Odysseus in the film, which features an ensemble cast that includes Anne Hathaway, Tom Holland, Zendaya, Lupita Nyong'o, Charlize Theron and Robert Pattinson.
The project reunites Nolan with several actors he has worked with previously, including Damon and Hathaway, while also marking his first collaboration with some of Hollywood's biggest younger stars.
When will 'The Odyssey' be released?
"The Odyssey" is scheduled to open in theaters on July 17, 2026.
The film is being released by Universal Pictures, the same studio behind "Oppenheimer," which won seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture.
Why is the movie such a big deal?
Part of the excitement surrounding "The Odyssey" comes from its large-scale production and the way it was filmed.
According to IMAX, the movie was shot entirely with IMAX film cameras, a format designed to create larger, more immersive images on the big screen.
Many theaters are also planning special 70mm screenings, a premium format known for its sharp picture quality and enhanced viewing experience.
The combination of Nolan's filmmaking, the star-studded cast and the film's large-format presentation has helped make "The Odyssey" one of the most anticipated movies of the year.
Why are moviegoers facing long waits for tickets?
Advance tickets for select IMAX 70mm screenings went on sale Thursday ahead of the film's July 17 release, prompting long virtual queues as moviegoers rushed to secure seats.
Deadline reported that some AMC customers experienced wait times of up to an hour before the queues shortened later in the day. The outlet said the delays were caused by heavy demand rather than technical issues.
The rush for tickets highlights anticipation for Nolan's latest film and the limited number of theaters capable of screening it in IMAX 70mm.
Where can audiences see it in IMAX 70mm?
IMAX has released a list of theaters that will screen "The Odyssey" in IMAX 70mm, one of the most sought-after movie formats.
Because only a limited number of theaters are equipped to project IMAX 70mm film, tickets for those screenings have generated significant demand.
Additional theaters are planning 70mm presentations of the film, offering moviegoers another large-format option.
