Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey” Returns to Imax 70mm Theaters

By Grace Kim

Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey” earned $1.8 billion worldwide and became the highest-grossing film for both Universal and Nolan, Variety reported. Universal will re-release the historical drama on more than 1,000 screens in the U.S. and Canada starting Dec. 11, including Imax and Imax 70mm (the large-format theatrical version).

Universal released the film on July 17, 2026. A limited Imax and Imax 70mm run followed in early October, making Dec. 11 the second theatrical return.

What does the re-release change for audiences?

It gives viewers who missed last summer’s Imax 70mm run another chance to see the film. It also widens the engagement from selected Imax presentations to all formats.

The announcement does not specify how many screens will carry the 70mm version. The headline count signals broad access, not a 1,000-screen Imax 70mm event.

Records behind the re-release

Variety reported that “The Odyssey” was the first movie shot entirely in Imax. That production distinction links the re-release directly to Imax’s exhibition record.

It set the record for the highest-grossing Imax film of all time, generating $550 million worldwide during a three-month period. It also recorded the biggest domestic opening in Imax 70mm.

The $550 million measures Imax box office across that window. The $1.8 billion headline covers the film across worldwide markets and all release formats.

Despite its three-hour, adult-oriented historical-drama format, the film grossed $626 million domestically in the U.S. and Canada. It ranked as the second-highest-grossing film of 2026, behind “Spider-Man: Brand New Day.”

The story and cast

Variety’s synopsis locates the film in the ancient Greek poem of the same name. “The Odyssey” follows Odysseus, king of Ithaca, as he makes an arduous journey home after emerging victorious from the ten-year-long Trojan War. He seeks to reclaim his throne.

Matt Damon leads the cast as Odysseus. The film also stars:

• Tom Holland
• Anne Hathaway
• Robert Pattinson
• Zendaya
• Lupita Nyong’o
• Charlize Theron
• John Leguizamo
• Elliot Page
• Jon Bernthal

The ensemble extends beyond those names.

The Oscar-season case

Clayton Davis, Variety’s awards editor, sees “The Odyssey” as a major Oscar-season contender. He predicts nominations in nearly every major category, along with wins in:

• Best picture
• Supporting actress
• Casting
• Cinematography
• Editing
• Sound
• Original score

Those forecasts extend the film’s case beyond box office. They also place the re-release within the awards conversation rather than treating it as a routine format return.

The re-release puts a film with two Imax records and seven forecast Oscar wins back before audiences. Whether broad access sustains demand beyond the limited October run is the next commercial test.