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Nolan’s The Odyssey Is the First Feature Shot Entirely on IMAX

New trailers and an IMAX technical featurette highlight novel camera solutions and a tightly controlled critics‑first rollout that aim to make the film a must-see theatrical event.

Overview

  • IMAX and Christopher Nolan developed lighter, quieter IMAX cameras plus a new noise‑suppressing housing known as a 'blimp' so the film could be shot start to finish in full‑frame IMAX.
  • Universal released a final “countdown” trailer on Wednesday, July 1 that expands footage of Odysseus and shifts narrative emphasis toward Ithaca and Penelope’s homefront.
  • The production emphasizes large practical set pieces, including a Trojan Horse sequence staged with thousands of extras, and a Cyclops scene created with animatronics, puppetry and an on‑set performance by Bill Irwin.
  • Universal confirmed that after the London premiere on July 6 the studio will show the film only to professional critics while skipping influencer screenings, and the campaign this week also rolled out a surprise Roblox companion game to broaden fan engagement.
  • The Odyssey opens in theaters and IMAX on July 17, 2026, has a reported runtime of 172 minutes, and strong IMAX presales have sold out screens in some markets, raising concerns about ticket access and premium pricing.