‘The Odyssey’ Returns to IMAX 70mm After ‘Digger’ Takes Its Screens
Some films refuse to exit theaters quietly. While most blockbusters typically wind down a few months after their launch, with premium screens handed off to the next big release, ‘The Odyssey’ is charting a different course and is set to return to the format it dominated all summer.
Christopher Nolan’s adaptation of Homer’s epic poem was filmed entirely with IMAX cameras, and IMAX 70mm is widely regarded as the best way to experience it. Premiering on July 17, the film features a star-studded cast including Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway, Tom Holland, Zendaya, Lupita Nyong’o, Robert Pattinson, and Charlize Theron. Fans had been queuing for tickets since a year prior to its release.
In an exciting development, Universal announced on Tuesday that ‘The Odyssey’ will return to select IMAX theaters and 70mm screens starting Friday, October 9. The re-release is already generating buzz among moviegoers who either missed the first run or are eager to see it again.
Guess who’s coming back to IMAX theatres? After #DIGGER’s disastrous performance globally, IMAX has just announced that #ChristopherNolan’s Epic #TheOdyssey will reclaim its historic journey in IMAX theatres, this time including IMAX 70MM format, this week already, on FRI OCT 9! https://t.co/b564OAMZxD
— Luiz Fernando (@Luiz_Fernando_J) October 6, 2026
This comeback follows a screen swap. According to JoBlo, IMAX had been showcasing ‘The Odyssey’ in 70mm all summer but had to relinquish those screens last weekend to Warner Bros.’ ‘Digger,’ starring Tom Cruise. The expectation was for ‘Digger’ to be an IMAX event, as it was filmed in 65mm VistaVision.
However, that plan did not materialize, as ‘Digger’ opened to disappointing results. With the film underperforming, the IMAX 70mm screens that had been selling out consistently, even more than two months after ‘The Odyssey’ premiered, are now returning to Nolan’s epic.
The numbers clarify the decision. ‘The Odyssey’ has grossed $1.76 billion worldwide, making it Universal’s highest-grossing film of all time before inflation adjustment. It surpassed the $1.67 billion global record set by ‘Jurassic World’ in 2015, achieving this milestone in its ninth weekend in theaters.
It has also set several other records, according to TheWrap. The film marks a career best for Nolan, exceeding even the inflation-adjusted total of ‘The Dark Knight Rises,’ and it holds the all-time R-rated box office record. Additionally, it is the highest-grossing film ever for IMAX.
Nolan’s third $1 billion-plus hit arrives 18 years after ‘The Dark Knight’ became the first superhero film to cross that milestone. ‘The Odyssey’ is also the first film that is not a sequel or remake since ‘Avatar’ in early 2010 to gross more than $1 billion outside the U.S. In an era dominated by franchises, this distinction is noteworthy.
NBCUniversal Entertainment chairman Donna Langley described the film as “a generational event that galvanizes moviegoing itself,” according to TheWrap. This film also continues the collaboration between Nolan and Universal that began five years ago when the filmmaker concluded his decade-plus tenure at Warner Bros. to create ‘Oppenheimer.’
In 2 Weeks, experience The Odyssey in theaters on July 17. Get tickets now. https://t.co/sk8jwTBi7P https://t.co/9wjoSuVJqE
— The Odyssey Movie (@odysseymovie) July 1, 2026
The engagement could be either brief or unexpectedly lengthy. The re-release this weekend includes both digital IMAX screens and 70mm, although JoBlo notes that the digital run will likely be short-lived, with ‘Street Fighter’ set to open in a week. The 70mm screens may remain occupied for months, as the next true IMAX 70mm release, ‘Dune: Part Three,’ isn’t scheduled until December 18.
This gap provides Nolan’s film with a long runway on the most coveted screens in cinema. For those who missed out during the summer rush, the extended window is promising news.
Online reactions have been overwhelmingly positive. Fans have noted that the film’s IMAX showings remained full even weeks after its debut, with some questioning why it was pulled in the first place. Others humorously suggested it could remain on screens through awards season, given the lack of major IMAX releases for some time.
The sentiment reflects how the film has evolved into a cultural phenomenon rather than just a typical summer release. Audiences have been returning for second and third viewings, and the 70mm presentation continues to attract attention. For many, this re-release is an opportunity to experience Nolan’s interpretation of Homer as it was meant to be seen.
Have something to add? Let us know in the comments!