Christopher Nolan Opens $250 Million Odyssey on July 17 as First Feature Shot Entirely on IMAX
Updated
Updated · Los Angeles Times · Jul 7
Christopher Nolan Opens $250 Million Odyssey on July 17 as First Feature Shot Entirely on IMAX
2 articles · Updated · Los Angeles Times · Jul 7
Summary
$250 million "The Odyssey" opens July 17 as a 2-hour-53-minute epic Nolan says became possible after "Oppenheimer" outperformed expectations and gave him room to mount Homer on a blockbuster scale.
91 shooting days across six countries produced the first feature filmed entirely on specially designed IMAX cameras, with Nolan relying on practical boat work, location shooting and in-camera effects wherever possible.
Matt Damon leads as Odysseus opposite Anne Hathaway and Tom Holland in a star-heavy cast Nolan says was meant to make an ancient myth feel immediate through contemporary dialogue and recognizable faces.
Nolan frames the film less as spectacle than as a middle-aged story of love, family, war and loss, arguing that the ancient code of xenia gives the adaptation modern resonance.
With a $250M budget, will 'The Odyssey' prove that ancient epics can still conquer the modern box office?
Can Nolan's modern dialogue and IMAX spectacle truly capture the soul of a 2,700-year-old epic poem?
Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey” Sets New IMAX 70mm Record and Redefines Epic Cinema: Critical Acclaim, Industry Impact, and Awards Prospects
Overview
Christopher Nolan's "The Odyssey" premiered in London on July 6, 2026, and received immediate, overwhelmingly positive reactions from both critics and audiences. Social media buzzed with praise, highlighting the film's staggering scope, immersive experience, and technical prowess. Reviewers and viewers were deeply affected by the cinematic experience, noting its intense and spectacular set pieces. Phil de Semlyen, a critic, was so impressed that he watched the film twice. Overall, the film's combination of grand vision, technical excellence, and emotional impact has set high expectations for its global release.