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Matt Damon’s “Odyssey” Opens $117M, First IMAX 70mm Feature

7/18/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The Odyssey opened in U.S. theaters on July 17, 2026, starring Matt Damon as Odysseus.
The film cost about $250 million and was the first feature shot entirely with IMAX 70 mm cameras.
Thursday previews earned $17.6 million on 3,900 North American screens.
Forbes estimates $117 million opening.
Universal targets a global start near $200 million.

History

Historical Context

In December 2009 James Cameron’s Avatar debuted with a $237 million budget, pioneering performance-capture and 3D filming that broke worldwide box-office records, grossing about $2.9 billion and setting IMAX revenue milestones. Its success spurred studios to invest heavily in premium-screen technologies, establishing a market that now supports new high-resolution sci-fi releases for upcoming titles.

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Story summary

The Odyssey opened in U.S. theaters on July 17, 2026, starring Matt Damon as Odysseus.
The film cost about $250 million and was the first feature shot entirely with IMAX 70 mm cameras.
Thursday previews earned $17.6 million on 3,900 North American screens.
Forbes estimates $117 million opening.
Universal targets a global start near $200 million.

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