Universal Skips July 6 Influencer Screenings for Nolan's The Odyssey as Fan Skepticism Grows
Updated
Updated · Hollywood Reporter · Jun 25
Universal Skips July 6 Influencer Screenings for Nolan's The Odyssey as Fan Skepticism Grows
3 articles · Updated · Hollywood Reporter · Jun 25
Summary
Universal will not hold advance influencer screenings for Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey, sending the film first to critics after its July 6 global premiere in London.
The move breaks with a now-common blockbuster marketing tactic in which studios invite fan-site bloggers and influencers to post early, often glowing social-media reactions before professional reviews land.
Studios face sharper scrutiny over that practice: Disney was criticized over a Pedro Pascal Disneyland influencer stunt, and upbeat Supergirl influencer blurbs were undercut by a 59% Rotten Tomatoes critic score.
Universal had used influencer screenings on Disclosure Day, where one viral claim calling it Spielberg’s best film in 20 years was later mocked and cited by detractors.
The decision could signal confidence ahead of The Odyssey’s July 17 release and, if copied, push more studios to rethink whether influencer-first screenings now look like spin.