In a landmark move that’s sending shockwaves across the film industry, Christopher Nolan‘s upcoming epic The Odyssey has opened ticket pre-sales a full year ahead of its release — a first in cinema history. Slated to hit screens on July 17, 2026, the Universal-backed spectacle began its IMAX 70MM ticket rollout on July 17, 2025, and within minutes, screenings at the iconic Universal CityWalk IMAX theatre were nearly sold out.This unprecedented early launch underscores Nolan’s unmatched ability to build anticipation, not just through story and spectacle, but also through eventized theatrical experiences. It also solidifies The Odyssey as one of the most anticipated cinematic events in recent memory — perhaps of all time.Historically, ticket pre-sales for films rarely go live more than a few months in advance. Prior to this, the record was held by Universal’s Fast X, which opened ticket sales during the 2023 Super Bowl — roughly three months before its May 19 release. The Odyssey has shattered that benchmark, giving fans a full 12 months to prepare for the film’s immersive 70MM IMAX experience.The buzz surrounding The Odyssey is immense, as Nolan returns to helm a story that’s reportedly his most ambitious yet. After the success of Oppenheimer, which swept the 2024 Oscars and crossed the billion-dollar mark globally, Nolan’s stature as the industry’s foremost auteur is more pronounced than ever. Naturally, fans are eager to witness his next grand vision — especially on the same IMAX format he’s become synonymous with.The film stars Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Zendaya, Anne Hathaway, Robert Pattinson , Charlize Theron and many more . The film is an adaptation of the ancient Greek epic poem The Odyssey by Homer. It features Matt Damon in the role of Odysseus, the legendary king of Ithaca and follows his epic and treacherous journey home after the Trojan War, l in a desperate quest to reunite with his wife, Penelope.
