Christopher Nolan’s upcoming epic, "The Odyssey", has shattered AMC’s presale record, pulling in $1.5 million in premium large‑format tickets a month before its scheduled July 17, 2026 release. the IMAX‑70 mm film, the first ever shot entirely in that format, has sparked a resale frenzy, with seats selling out weeks early and reselling for up to $10,000 on eBay.

AMC’s $1 .5 Million PLF Surge Outpaces Four Years of Presales

According to Deadline, the first‑day advance PLF sales for "The Odyssey" represent the highest volume AMC has recorded for any major studio picture in the last four years,surpassing even the strongest non‑PLF presales in the same period. The surge is especially notable given that standard screenings will not go on sale until later in the summer,leaving the premium formats as the sole avenue for early access.

Universal’s One‑Year‑Ahead Release Gamble Pays Off

The strategy behind this unprecedented move appears to be a calcuated gamble by Universal Pictures,which chose to release the first wave of 70 mm and IMAX tickets a full year ahead of the film’s theatrical debut – a practice unheard of in modern distribution. The gamble paid off: the initial PLF ticket batch sold out within hours, generating roughly $1.5 million in revenue and sparking a secondary market frenzy.

Only 24 U.S. Theatres Can Show 70 mm IMAX, Driving Resale Prices

Tickets originally priced at around $25 have been resold on platforms such as eBay for as much as $10,000,echoing a similar resale surge that followed the July 2025 preview of the film’s limited IMAX run. The scarcity of venues contributes to the inflated prices;only 24 theatres across the United States are equipped to project the film in true 70 mm IMAX format.

Critics Question Casting, but Demand Remains Unabated

Despite the record‑breaking ticket sales, "The Odyssey" is not without controversy. Critics have debated the film’s casting choices, particularly Lupita Nyong’o’s portrayal of Helen, and have raised concerns about the various accents employed by the ensemble cast. Nevertheless, the controversy has done little to dampen audience enthusiasm, as evidenced by the astonishing presale numbers and the willingness of collectors to pay exorbitant sums for a seat.

Who’s Behind the Epic? Nolan, Thomas, and a Star‑Studded Cast

The star‑studded lineup includes Matt Damon as Odysseus, Anne Hathaway, Tom Holland, Zendaya, Charlize Theron, Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong’o, Jon Bernthal and Benny Safdie, among others. Nolan not only directed but also co‑wrote the screenplay, collaborating with his longtime producing partner and spouse Emma Thomas.