Breaking Boundaries: How CEO Rich Gelfond Brought ‘The Odyssey’ to Life with IMAX Cameras at Christopher Nolan’s Request

Christopher Nolan is once again pushing the boundaries of cinema. After the massive success of Oppenheimer, which earned nearly $1 billion globally, he set an ambitious goal for his next project, The Odyssey.

Rich Gelfond, CEO of IMAX, shared that about a year before filming began, Nolan expressed a desire to shoot an entire film using IMAX cameras. Gelfond acknowledged that this was a tough challenge due to various technical issues, like the complexities of managing film stock and sound requirements.

Despite these concerns, Nolan insisted, “If you can figure out these problems, I’ll make The Odyssey fully in IMAX.” Thanks to their collaboration, this film will become the first ever shot completely with IMAX cameras.

The closest previous attempt was, of course, Oppenheimer, which featured significant IMAX footage but wasn’t a full-length IMAX film.

The Odyssey, based on Homer’s epic tale, follows Odysseus on his adventurous journey home after the Trojan War. It dives into his encounters with legendary figures like the Cyclops Polyphemus and the Sirens, culminating in his reunion with lovingly long-suffering Penelope. The film is set to premiere on July 17, 2026, a date that has previously brought good fortune to Nolan with several successful releases in July.

Matt Damon takes on the role of Odysseus, joining an impressive cast that includes Charlize Theron, Jon Bernthal, Anne Hathaway, Robert Pattinson, Tom Holland, and others.

Interestingly, Sinners, directed by Ryan Coogler, was the first film shot with IMAX film cameras since Oppenheimer and will be rereleased in 70MM IMAX soon, seeing excellent ticket sales. Gelfond noted that Nolan’s challenges have pushed IMAX to rethink its operations, leading to new programs for training projectionists and developing spare parts globally.

This is a notable shift for IMAX, which usually relies on digital technology. The active exploration of film technology highlights the industry’s evolution and audience appreciation for high-quality cinematic experiences. Filmmakers and audiences are increasingly expressing interest in the unique aesthetic of film as opposed to digital formats, showing a potential trend toward more traditional filmmaking approaches in an increasingly digital world.

For further insights on the evolution of film technology, you can read more from sources like The Film Society or check out industry reports on recent box office trends and viewer preferences.

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Cannes,Cannes Film Festival,Christopher Nolan,IMAX,The Odyssey