Story perspectives

The Odyssey: First IMAX 70mm Feature Sparks Casting Controversy

7/10/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Odyssey became the first narrative feature shot entirely on IMAX 70 mm film, a first for a major studio.
It premiered in London on July 6, 2026 and will open worldwide on July 17, 2026.
Production spanned Morocco, Greece, Italy, Iceland, Scotland and the United States, using a 60-foot Cyclops puppet built on location.
Universal Pictures restricted comments on its official accounts after online backlash over casting choices, including Lupita Nyong’o and Elliot Page.

History

Historical Context

IMAX Corporation’s 15-perforation 70 mm format provides a picture area about 3.5 times larger than standard 35 mm film. Following a mid-2010s revival—exemplified by Quentin Tarantino’s *The Hateful Eight* (2015) and Christopher Nolan’s *Dunkirk* (2017)—studios continue shooting new epics on IMAX 70 mm, extending the high-resolution spectacle first enabled by the format in theaters worldwide.

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Story summary

The Odyssey became the first narrative feature shot entirely on IMAX 70 mm film, a first for a major studio.
It premiered in London on July 6, 2026 and will open worldwide on July 17, 2026.
Production spanned Morocco, Greece, Italy, Iceland, Scotland and the United States, using a 60-foot Cyclops puppet built on location.
Universal Pictures restricted comments on its official accounts after online backlash over casting choices, including Lupita Nyong’o and Elliot Page.

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