Christopher Nolan’s ‘The Odyssey’ is returning to select IMAX screens as the record-breaking blockbuster continues to benefit from strong audience demand, over three months after its theatrica reease.According to the latest reports, the announcement comes after the Tom Cruise-led ‘Digger’ failed to make a mark at the box office on its opening weekend. The IMAX re-release of Nolan’s epic will now reportedly replace screenings of ‘Digger’.‘The Odyssey’ has already emerged as a major commercial success, and grossed more than USD 1.6 billion worldwide, while ‘Digger’ opened to around USD 8 million domestically against a reported production budget of between USD 150 million and USD 180 million.
‘The Odyssey’ returns to IMAX amid ‘Digger’ box office struggle
As per reports, the studio, Universal is bringing ‘The Odyssey’ back to select 70mm IMAX screens, responding to continued demand for the film’s large-format screeening. The move has prompted humorous reactions from netizens, particularly as some theatres have reportedly opted to replace ‘Digger’ screenings with Nolan’s film.Directors Alfonso Cuarón and Guillermo del Toro have publicly defended ‘Digger’ and its ambitious treatment of climate-related themes, despite its disappointing opening. Del Toro declared his love for the film in a tweet and lashed out at haters saying, “Love it or not. And yes, I do. The film delivers in scale, ambition and reach at a theatrical screen level. Daring, bold and cinematically complex. Decidedly a theatrical experience”.He also reposted others’ positive reviews, including one praising Tom Cruise’s performance as the film’s lead. He wrote, “Funny, I go into the platform and without even scrolling down, these are popping at the top of my timeline. So… I will just keep posting them. Tune in or drop out”.Tom Cruise, meanwhile, has reportedly played down the importance of the film’s early box-office numbers, focusing instead on the idea of cinema having a lasting impact on audiences.
‘The Odyssey’ eyes Oscar glory
Universal is mounting an extensive Oscar campaign for ‘The Odyssey’, with the studio reportedly targeting nominations across major categories, including Best Picture and several technical awards.The campaign is expected to include Matt Damon in the Lead Actor category and Anne Hathaway and Samantha Morton in Supporting Actress. Veterans John Leguizamo and Robert Pattinson are also expected to be campaigned in the Supporting Actor category.If multiple members of its cast secure nominations across more than one acting category, the film could join a select group of movies to achieve this feat.
