Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey is heading back to IMAX screens on Friday, 9 October, and the screens it’s reclaiming belong to Tom Cruise’s Digger, which opened only a week earlier. Universal confirmed the return through the film’s official social accounts, as GamesRadar+ reported, with sessions planned for select IMAX and IMAX 70mm venues.
The Odyssey never fully left cinemas after its 17 July release. Its premium-format run had already been extended to 30 September because of demand, so this is a second lap rather than an anniversary reissue. The film has taken $1.76 billion worldwide, which makes it Universal’s biggest release ever ahead of Jurassic World’s $1.67 billion, according to ComingSoon. It also holds the record for the highest-grossing R-rated film and the biggest IMAX release of all time. Only Spider-Man: Brand New Day has earned more this year.
Digger’s rough first week
Digger had a far quieter start. Alejandro G. Iñárritu’s satire, shot on film in VistaVision, opened on 2 October with IMAX screens attached. It took $8 million from 3,300 North American theatres and another $12 million internationally, for a global start of roughly $20 million. Per The Hollywood Reporter, Warner Bros. had projected $12 million to $15 million domestically, and the result is Cruise’s softest opening since Lions for Lambs in 2007. Audiences handed it a C+ CinemaScore.
The money side looks worse. Warner Bros. greenlit the film at $125 million, but Deadline reports the net production cost rose to around $160 million after an extended shoot at Leavesden, before a global marketing spend of close to $100 million. Deadline’s sources expect a loss of about $150 million, and that assumes the film reaches $50 million worldwide. A studio representative has disputed reports of a budget nearer $180 million.
Reviews haven’t rescued it either. Critics were split from the start, and Warner Bros. even turned the negative reviews into an ad. IGN notes the film sits at 51% on Rotten Tomatoes.
Why IMAX moved so quickly
Premium screens are scarce, and they earn more per seat. IGN points out that only about 41 cinemas worldwide can project 15-perf/70mm IMAX film, the format Nolan shot The Odyssey for. With a $20 million opener occupying those screens and a $1.76 billion hit still drawing crowds, the swap is a straightforward commercial call.
Digger isn’t vanishing everywhere at once. Empire reports that London’s BFI IMAX will keep showing it alongside The Odyssey until Thursday, 15 October.
The window for The Odyssey is short. The next planned IMAX releases are Street Fighter on 16 October, following a trailer that teased Ryu and Ken’s rivalry, and Godzilla Minus Zero from 3 November.
In UAE cinemas
Digger opened in the UAE on 1 October, and UAE cinema listings show IMAX sessions at venues including VOX Mall of the Emirates. The Odyssey is still playing across the country, including some IMAX sessions. Local chains haven’t announced whether they’ll follow the US schedule and hand more IMAX slots back to Nolan’s film from 9 October, so check listings before booking.
When does The Odyssey return to IMAX?
Universal’s return to select IMAX and IMAX 70mm screens starts on Friday, 9 October. Its run is expected to be brief, with Street Fighter taking over IMAX screens from 16 October.
Is Digger leaving cinemas?
It’s losing most of its IMAX screens after one week, but it remains in regular cinemas. Some venues, such as London’s BFI IMAX, will keep IMAX shows running until 15 October.
Can I watch The Odyssey in IMAX in the UAE?
UAE listings still show The Odyssey in cinemas, including some IMAX sessions, but no UAE chain has confirmed a wider IMAX return. Check your local cinema’s listings.
