On May 16, 2025, IMAX Corporation CEO Rich Gelfond announced at the Cannes Film Festival that Christopher Nolan will shoot his next film, The Odyssey, entirely with IMAX cameras, making it the first commercial feature to do so.
Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, Gelfond revealed Nolan’s challenge: “Chris said, ‘If you solve the technical issues, I’ll do The Odyssey 100 per cent in IMAX.’” Set for release in July 2026, the film promises a visually stunning experience, building on Nolan’s success with Oppenheimer, which grossed $190 million in IMAX theatres.
Shooting entirely in IMAX required significant advancements, with IMAX reengineering film recorders and cameras exclusively for Nolan. Gelfond noted these cameras will be available to other filmmakers after The Odyssey’s release. The innovation ensures unparalleled visual quality, enhancing Nolan’s signature cinematic style.
Christopher Nolan will make film history with "The Odyssey," the first movie shot entirely with Imax cameras.
Nolan has been building toward this since “The Dark Knight,” which was the first Hollywood movie to utilize Imax cameras to shoot select action scenes. Since then, Nolan… pic.twitter.com/ABklGrFNtf
— Variety (@Variety) May 16, 2025Based on Homer’s 8th-century BC epic poem, The Odyssey features a stellar cast, including Tom Holland, Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway, Zendaya, Lupita Nyong’o, Robert Pattinson, Charlize Theron, Jon Bernthal, John Leguizamo, and Benny Safdie. The film will blend Nolan’s narrative depth with IMAX’s immersive visuals, promising a landmark cinematic event.
IMAX CEO Rich Gelfond confirms that Christopher Nolan’s ‘THE ODYSSEY’ will be shot entirely in IMAX, a first in cinema history:
“Chris called me up and said If you can figure out how to solve the problems, will make [Odyssey] 100 percent in Imax. And that’s what we’re doing. He… pic.twitter.com/mi53IQ0bVL
— Christopher Nolan Art & Updates (@NolanAnalyst) May 15, 2025Nolan’s embrace of IMAX, seen in Oppenheimer’s 20% box office share from IMAX screens, underscores his influence in pushing cinematic boundaries. Oppenheimer won seven Academy Awards, cementing Nolan’s reputation. The Odyssey is set to uphold this legacy, generating global excitement.
The Odyssey aims to redefine blockbuster filmmaking with its innovative technology and star-studded cast. Fans and industry observers eagerly anticipate its release in July 2026.
