IMAX CEO Rich Gelfond said he is confident that Christopher Nolan’s upcoming film “The Odyssey” will deliver strong box-office results [1].
The film's performance is critical for cinema operators seeking to maintain momentum from recent summer openings and the growing trend of live events in theaters. Because Nolan's work often drives high demand for premium large-format screenings, the industry views this release as a primary catalyst for theater attendance.
Speaking on CNBC’s “Squawk on the Street” in the U.S., Gelfond said recent data from the summer season support his outlook [1]. He said the impact of live events on box-office data has contributed to his positive expectations for the film's reception [1].
"I feel very confident ‘The Odyssey’ will deliver," Gelfond said [1].
To prepare for the release, Cinemark is expanding its technical capabilities to accommodate the film's specific format requirements. The company plans to add several IMAX 70-mm screens [2]. These additions will be implemented at locations across the U.S., and South America [2].
The push for 70-mm screens reflects a broader strategy to offer viewers a level of visual fidelity that cannot be replicated by home streaming services. By increasing the availability of these high-end screens, Cinemark and IMAX aim to maximize the revenue potential of the Nolan production — a director known for his commitment to analog film and large-scale projection [2].
“"I feel very confident ‘The Odyssey’ will deliver."”
The strategic expansion of 70-mm screens by Cinemark indicates a continuing industry bet on 'event cinema.' By tying infrastructure growth to a specific high-profile director like Christopher Nolan, IMAX and theater chains are attempting to pivot away from general movie-going toward a model based on exclusive, high-premium technical experiences that justify higher ticket prices.
