Johannesburg, 8 July 2026: Some films are made to entertain. Others are made to be experienced. Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey firmly belongs in the second category.
Releasing in South African cinemas on Friday 17 July, The Odyssey is the first feature film ever shot entirely with IMAX film cameras, pushing large format filmmaking further than ever before. Whether audiences choose IMAX at Ster-Kinekor, Scene Xtreme at Nu Metro or another premium large format cinema, this is a film designed to reward those who experience it on the biggest screen possible.
Built For the Biggest Screens
From the outset, Nolan envisioned The Odyssey as a cinematic event rather than simply another blockbuster. By shooting the entire film using IMAX cameras, every scene was designed to maximise image quality, scale and immersion in a way that cannot be replicated on a television or mobile device.
IMAX cameras capture substantially more image detail than conventional digital formats, delivering extraordinary sharpness, richer colours and a much taller image. On premium large format screens, audiences see more of every frame, from vast ocean landscapes and towering cliffs to intricate costume details and sweeping battle sequences. Combined with powerful cinema sound, the result is an experience that places viewers in the middle of the action rather than simply watching it unfold.
Real Filmmaking in a Digital Age
One of Nolan’s defining characteristics as a filmmaker is his commitment to practical effects. Rather than relying heavily on computer-generated imagery, The Odyssey was brought to life using real ships, large-scale practical sets and spectacular locations filmed across six countries.
The production ventured to rugged coastlines, open seas and remote landscapes to create the mythical world of Odysseus, allowing natural light, real environments and practical stunt work to do much of the storytelling. This dedication to authenticity gives the film a physical weight and realism that audiences instinctively recognise on screen.
Even shooting entirely with IMAX cameras presented enormous challenges. The cameras are significantly larger, heavier and more complex than conventional film cameras, making every shot more demanding to execute. It is an extraordinary technical achievement that reflects Nolan’s determination to push the boundaries of modern filmmaking.
An All-Star Cast Brings a Timeless Story to Life
While the visuals are spectacular, The Odyssey is also driven by an exceptional cast. Matt Damon stars as the legendary Odysseus, leading an ensemble that includes Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong’o, Charlize Theron, Benny Safdie, Jon Bernthal, Mia Goth, Elliot Page, John Leguizamo and Corey Hawkins. Bringing together Academy Award winners, blockbuster favourites and some of Hollywood’s most exciting younger stars, the cast reflects the scale and ambition of Nolan’s latest production.
Based on Homer’s enduring epic, the story follows Odysseus on his perilous journey home following the Trojan War. Along the way, he faces mythical creatures, powerful gods, impossible choices and extraordinary adventures in one of literature’s greatest tales.
A Cinema Experience Worth Leaving Home For
Following the global success of Oppenheimer, Nolan once again demonstrates why some films deserve to be experienced in a cinema. The immense picture, immersive sound and remarkable craftsmanship combine to create a film that simply cannot be replicated at home. Every crashing wave, every towering landscape and every carefully constructed set has been created for the theatrical experience, allowing audiences to appreciate the full scale of Nolan’s vision.
Whether viewed in IMAX at Ster-Kinekor, Scene Xtreme at Nu Metro or another premium large format cinema, The Odyssey is a reminder of what makes going to the movies so special.
The Odyssey opens in cinemas across South Africa on Friday 17 July. For audiences deciding which film deserves the biggest screen this year, Christopher Nolan’s latest epic makes a compelling case.