Christopher Nolan’s ‘The Odyssey’ IMAX screenings are already sold out in the Toronto area — a year in advance

That’s a very promising sign for Nolan, whose adaptation of the ancient Greek epic will be the first commercial feature film to be shot entirely on IMAX film. Unfortunately, only 16 cinemas in North America are equipped to support the format. Just two of those cinemas are in Ontario, including the Cineplex Cinemas Mississauga Square One and Cineplex Cinemas Vaughan. 

As for those who weren’t up at midnight with their credit cards ready, they’ll have to settle for a smaller screen, or wait until additional IMAX screenings are added closer to the film’s premiere.

“It is always exciting when we can help generate additional enthusiasm and anticipation around cinematic experiences,” said Michelle Saba, vice president of communications for Cineplex Entertainment. “While locations quickly sold out for the initial showtimes of ‘The Odyssey’ ... there will be additional showtimes added closer to the film’s release date in 2026.”

“The Odyssey” features an all-star ensemble cast, led by Matt Damon as Odysseus, plus Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Jon Bernthal, Zendaya, Lupita Nyong’o, Robert Pattinson, Charlize Theron and Mia Goth. This will be Nolan’s second collaboration with Universal Pictures following “Oppenheimer,” which earned nearly $1 billion at the box office and won the filmmaker his first Oscars, including for best director and best picture.

As a director, Nolan has long used IMAX technology in his films, including “Dunkirk,” Interstellar, “The Dark Knight,” “Tenet” and “Oppenheimer.” But IMAX cameras are notoriously expensive, unwieldy and loud, factors that prevented Nolan from shooting an entire feature with the technology.

However, following the success of “Oppenheimer,” which earned an estimated $190 million on IMAX screens alone, Nolan convinced IMAX CEO Rich Gelfond to develop new cameras that were easier and more efficient to use.

The IMAX craze extends beyond the Nolan-verse, of course. 

Earlier this year, Ryan Coogler’s vampire thriller “Sinners” — which was filmed using both IMAX cameras and IMAX-approved cameras — was screened in its ultimate format in just nine theatres around the world, including the Cineplex in Vaughan. For weeks, throngs of cinephiles from across the GTA made the trek to experience the film on the (very) big screen.

In May, Warner Brothers Pictures announced that “Sinners” was returning to IMAX screens following “overwhelming popular and critical response.”

Outside of the GTA, “The Odyssey” will also screen in Edmonton, Calgary, Vancouver and Regina.