How The Odyssey is already gunning to be 2026’s biggest film

Marketing campaigns for summer blockbusters have traditionally kicked in around six months before release. But one film not playing by these rules is Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey, his much-discussed take on Homer’s epic, starring Matt Damon, Zendaya, Tom Holland, Lupita Nyong’o and many more. Earlier this month, more than a year in advance of its 17 July general release date, a teaser trailer started showing in cinemas. And then on 17 July itself, in an unprecedented move, tickets went on sale for opening weekend screenings in Imax 70mm – Nolan’s preferred format for all his films. Less than a day after those tickets were made available, most of them were sold out, and scalpers were reselling them for upwards of $200 (£148).