Christopher Nolan’s blockbuster epic The Odyssey is heading back to movie theaters this December, giving audiences another opportunity to experience the film on the big screen. Universal Pictures announced that the film will return to more than 1,000 theaters across the United States and Canada beginning Dec. 11, with screenings available in multiple formats, including IMAX and IMAX 70mm.
Based on Homer’s ancient Greek epic, The Odyssey follows Odysseus, played by Matt Damon, as he attempts to make his way home to Ithaca following the Trojan War. The film features an ensemble cast that includes Anne Hathaway, Tom Holland, Robert Pattinson, Zendaya, Lupita Nyong’o, Charlize Theron, John Leguizamo and Samantha Morton. Nolan directed and co-produced the film with Emma Thomas under their Syncopy banner. It made history as the first feature film shot entirely with IMAX cameras.
The film has become the biggest commercial success of Christopher Nolan’s career, earning approximately $1.8 billion worldwide, including $626 million in North America and $1.175 billion internationally, according to Universal. It also holds the distinction of being the highest-grossing movie in Universal’s history, the top-grossing R-rated film worldwide and the biggest release ever for IMAX. The December engagement will offer another chance to see the production in the large-format presentation for which it was filmed.
The re-release follows an earlier return to select IMAX and 70mm theaters in October. It also comes after the film’s home entertainment debut, with digital, 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray editions scheduled for Nov. 17. The timing places its theatrical return during the lead-up to the holiday movie season and the upcoming awards season, as the film remains a prominent contender in discussions surrounding next year’s Academy Awards.
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