The latest
Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey is expected to push the summer box office toward pre-pandemic levels, with global opening-weekend sales forecast to exceed $200 million and surpass the debut of Oppenheimer three years ago.
The film is projected to earn between $80 million and $100 million from 3,900 North American theaters, alongside about $110 million across more than 70 international markets. It has already recorded the highest presales in Imax history, with many screenings sold out through the first five weeks of release.
The launch comes amid a broader cinema recovery. Summer box-office sales have reached an estimated $2.5 billion since early May, compared with $2.7 billion during the same period in 2019. US ticket sales exceeded $5.1 billion through July 12, more than 10% above last year and the highest level since the pandemic.
Details
- Technical milestone: The Odyssey is the first feature film shot entirely with Imax cameras.
- UK record: The BFI Imax sold 28,000 tickets within 24 hours, generating £750,000.
- Nolan comparison: Oppenheimer generated about £254,000 at the venue during the same presale period.
- Production recovery: 2026 is the first year major studios have returned to normal output following the pandemic and the 2023 Hollywood strikes.
- Billion-dollar hits: Michael and the latest Super Mario film have exceeded $1 billion globally, with Toy Story 5 expected to follow.
- Upcoming releases: The slate includes Spider-Man: Brand New Day, Avengers: Doomsday and the next Dune installment.
Between the lines
The recovery suggests streaming has not eliminated the appeal of theaters, particularly when studios deliver films designed for premium large-screen experiences. The Odyssey could also accelerate investment in Imax venues and other high-end cinema formats.
What’s next
The opening-weekend total and the film’s ability to sustain demand will determine whether the 2026 summer season can overtake 2019. A strong pipeline of major releases could also push full-year cinema revenue to a record.
