The tagline for Christopher Nolan’s upcoming film, The Odyssey, “Defy the gods,” reflects both the mythic journey of Odysseus and Nolan’s transformative impact on the movie industry. With the release still nine months away, Nolan is already prompting major changes in how films are viewed, especially through his championing of the Christopher Nolan 70mm Revolution.
Tickets for The Odyssey have sold out in several markets, and prominent theater chains are rushing to meet Nolan’s demand for premium cinematic experiences. His influence is bringing IMAX 70mm film back into the spotlight, revitalizing interest in large-format projection across theaters worldwide.
Theater Upgrades and Expanded Access to IMAX 70mm
IMAX 70mm film, which had become increasingly rare, is experiencing a resurgence thanks to Nolan’s efforts and the success of titles like Oppenheimer. Cinemark, in partnership with IMAX, is expanding true 70mm projection capabilities in the U.S. and South America, allowing more audiences to experience Nolan’s vision as he intended.
This collaboration involves upgrading twelve Cinemark theaters to IMAX with Laser, a cutting-edge format spotlighted during Oppenheimer’s 2023 release. New IMAX 70mm locations are set to open at Cinemark Seven Bridges in Woodridge (a Chicago suburb), Cinemark Carefree Circle in Colorado Springs, and Cinemark Tinseltown in Rochester. All will be ready ahead of The Odyssey’s premiere.
Nolan Joins Filmmaking Legends Advancing Cinema Technology
By leading this 70mm resurgence, Nolan stands alongside renowned directors like James Cameron and Peter Jackson, who have each revolutionized cinematic technology in their own right. Currently, only about 30 theaters worldwide are equipped to show IMAX 70mm prints—large reels that have thrilled audiences whenever filmmakers such as Quentin Tarantino, Paul Thomas Anderson, or Ryan Coogler release their projects in this format.
Like Cameron’s groundbreaking 3D work with Avatar, Nolan is redefining what premium moviegoing looks and feels like, reinforcing his commitment to keeping movie theaters vibrant and relevant in a digital age.
Expanding High-Quality Film Experiences Beyond Major Cities
Interestingly, none of the new Cinemark IMAX 70mm locations are in New York or Los Angeles, the traditional film capitals, which broadens Nolan’s reach to audiences in other regions eager to experience his preferred format. This strategic expansion enhances accessibility to large-format storytelling for moviegoers beyond the usual metropolitan hubs.
The momentum behind large-format film is also influencing other directors, as Denis Villeneuve reportedly plans to shoot Dune: Part 3 using IMAX 70mm. This suggests Nolan’s impact is inspiring a broader movement to embrace the grandeur and clarity that real film projection offers both filmmakers and audiences.
The Future of Cinema Through Nolan’s Vision
If the trend Nolan spearheads continues, the future of cinema may celebrate the majestic quality of physical film and immersive formats more than ever before. This renewed enthusiasm promises a more thrilling theatrical experience, with audiences worldwide looking forward to films like The Odyssey, which opens in theaters—including select IMAX 70mm venues—on July 17, 2026.
“It’s another chapter in Nolan’s ongoing mission to keep movie theaters alive and thriving.” ?Variety
“Like Cameron’s 3D revolution before Avatar, Nolan is now redefining what premium cinema looks and feels like.” ?Variety
