The Odyssey Sells Out: Nolan’s Film Sets Record Year in Advance

UPDATE: New reports confirm that Christopher Nolan’s highly anticipated film, The Odyssey, has sold out select cinemas a staggering one year in advance of its July 17, 2026 release. The rush for tickets comes as audiences demonstrate an overwhelming appetite for films projected on 70 mm Imax film, marking a significant shift in viewing preferences.

The select theatres—16 in the U.S., six in Canada, two in the U.K., and one each in Australia and the Czech Republic—highlight a growing trend favoring analog film over digital formats. As Ryan Holota, chief operating officer at Regina’s science centre, stated, ticket sales took off immediately after they went on sale on July 17. “People are really starting to understand how rare an experience it is to watch a movie on film, especially in 2025,” he said.

With 147 seats, Regina’s Kramer Imax theatre has sold out all four of its shows for the next year, including a 2 p.m. show this Thursday. Holota emphasized the special nature of the film experience, noting that audiences are increasingly aware of the differences between film and digital formats.

Mark Welton, global president at Imax Theatres, echoed this sentiment, revealing a surge in demand for films shot on traditional cameras. Imax’s financial reports confirm this trend; the company’s net income nearly doubled to $20.4 million in the first half of the year, solidifying Imax’s place as a leader in the evolving cinema landscape.

As audiences flock to theaters to experience the tactile nature of film, Holota noted that the 70 mm format provides approximately 40 percent more image than the standard 35 mm. “There’s a warmth and fluidity to film that makes it feel more lifelike,” he said, emphasizing the unique viewing experience.

The Odyssey is groundbreaking as the first commercial production filmed entirely with Imax cameras. Following the success of other films shot on film, like Ryan Coogler’s Sinners, it is clear that audiences are hungry for this format. Siddhant Adlakha, a freelance movie critic, remarked on the growing interest in 70 mm screenings, particularly in the wake of the pandemic. “There seems to be a desire for that nostalgia and old-world tactility,” he stated.

Despite the resurgence of film, only a limited number of cinemas are equipped to screen The Odyssey on 70 mm. Currently, Canada has only six screens dedicated to the film, which includes locations in Toronto, Calgary, Regina, Edmonton, and Vancouver. Welton confirmed that Imax aims to increase the number of film projector screens by roughly 20 percent over the next year.

Audience members, like Regina resident Tyson Liske, are excited about this rare opportunity. “Buying tickets a year in advance is a first for me,” he said. “Watching a film on 70 mm really adds to the experience.” Many are echoing Liske’s sentiments, noting that the difference between digital and film is akin to comparing apples to oranges.

As the excitement builds for The Odyssey, the film industry is witnessing a notable shift back to traditional formats, highlighting the enduring appeal of analog cinema. The success of Imax and the growing interest in film projection suggest that audiences are eager for a more immersive and authentic movie experience.

As the countdown to July 17, 2026 continues, all eyes are on Nolan and his ambitious project, which promises to deliver not just a film, but a cinematic event that is both rare and transformative. Keep an eye out for future announcements regarding additional screenings and ticket availability as this story develops.