Tickets for one of the most anticipated cinematic experiences of 2026—Christopher Nolan’s upcoming film "The Odyssey"—are already generating intense demand, as IMAX 70mm screenings go on sale nearly a full year before the movie’s release. On July 16, 2025, IMAX officially announced the opening of advanced ticket sales for select IMAX theaters across the United States, drawing an immediate response from Nolan fans who have already begun filling seats at several high-profile venues.
In the San Francisco Bay Area, two theaters have confirmed their participation in the early bookings: AMC Metreon 16 in downtown San Francisco and Regal Hacienda Crossings in Dublin. Both venues are set to host the immersive 70mm IMAX screenings over a four-day launch window between July 16 and July 19, 2026. Showtimes include a 2 p.m. matinee on opening day and 7 p.m. evening shows for the remaining three nights. By Wednesday evening, most of the prime seats for the Thursday premiere were already sold out, with only the first two rows remaining at the AMC Metreon and limited availability left at Regal Hacienda.
This overwhelming early interest reflects not only Nolan’s strong fan base but also the continued popularity of premium IMAX 70mm film experiences, a signature of the director’s recent work. Known for his large-format filmmaking and practical effects, Nolan has consistently used IMAX cameras to elevate the scale and depth of his films, a factor that has driven moviegoers to secure tickets well ahead of schedule.
"The Odyssey" boasts a star-studded ensemble cast including Charlize Theron, Anne Hathaway, Jon Bernthal, Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Zendaya, and Robert Pattinson. The film is rumored to explore themes of myth, exploration, and time, staying true to Nolan’s trademark storytelling style that blends cerebral narratives with grand visual spectacle. While plot details remain tightly under wraps, the film’s title and casting lineup alone have been enough to send anticipation soaring among both fans and industry insiders.
Advanced ticket sales are currently live at multiple IMAX locations across the United States. In California, tickets are available at several theaters beyond the Bay Area, including TCL Chinese Theatres, Regal Edwards Ontario Palace Stadium, Regal Irvine Spectrum, Universal Cinema AMC at CityWalk Hollywood in Los Angeles, and Esquire IMAX in Sacramento. Other participating states include Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Michigan, New York, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Texas, highlighting the national scale of the rollout.
For instance, IMAX fans in New York can book seats at AMC Lincoln Square 13, while viewers in Texas can head to Cinemark Dallas. Florida's screenings are set at the AutoNation IMAX in Fort Lauderdale, and Indiana audiences can enjoy the film at the IMAX Theatre at the Indiana State Museum in Indianapolis. Additional cities like Atlanta, Phoenix, Grand Rapids, Nashville, and Philadelphia also have early access to the IMAX showings, offering widespread opportunities for Nolan’s audience to engage with the film in its intended high-fidelity format.
The fact that such screenings are selling out a year in advance suggests not only the strength of Nolan’s cinematic pull but also a broader resurgence of event-based moviegoing. As theaters continue to recover from recent global disruptions, tentpole films like "The Odyssey" may serve as a major draw for audiences eager for an elevated theatrical experience. Industry analysts have noted that IMAX 70mm screenings in particular remain a niche yet highly valued option among cinephiles and casual viewers alike, largely because of their unparalleled resolution, screen size, and sound quality.
While IMAX has yet to reveal the total number of prints available or if additional cities will be added to the list, early indicators point to a record-setting launch. The advance booking strategy also reflects lessons learned from previous Nolan films, such as "Oppenheimer" and "Tenet," both of which saw strong IMAX demand and limited seating availability upon release.
As July 2026 draws nearer, more details about "The Odyssey" are expected to emerge, including its storyline, runtime, and official trailers. Until then, fans are likely to continue snapping up seats at any venue offering the 70mm IMAX presentation. Given the speed at which tickets are being claimed, those hoping to witness Nolan’s vision on the biggest and most technically immersive screens are advised to secure their bookings as early as possible.
