Nolan's 'The Odyssey' Returns to Theaters in December

Universal Pictures will bring Christopher Nolan's "The Odyssey" back to movie theaters across the United States and Canada on Dec. 11. The re-release will play on more than 1,000 screens in all available formats, including standard IMAX and the 70mm presentation.

This second return to theaters follows the film's initial theatrical run, which began on July 17. The three-hour historical drama has since collected $626 million at domestic box offices and $1.8 billion worldwide. These figures make it the highest-grossing film in the history of Universal Pictures and the largest domestic and global hit for director Nolan.

The movie also finished as the second-highest-grossing release of 2026, trailing only "Spider-Man: Brand New Day." It achieved technical milestones as the first feature shot entirely in IMAX. The film set two specific records for the studio: the highest worldwide gross for an IMAX film, reaching $550 million over three months, and the largest domestic opening for a 70mm release.

Universal previously brought the film back for a limited engagement in early October. That run was restricted to IMAX and IMAX 70mm screens. The December engagement expands the availability to all standard formats, offering a wider audience access to the production.

The plot centers on Odysseus, the king of Ithaca, who travels home to reclaim his throne after the ten-year Trojan War. Matt Damon stars as the lead. The supporting cast includes Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Robert Pattinson, Zendaya, Lupita Nyong'o, Charlize Theron, John Leguizamo, Elliot Page, and Jon Bernthal.

The film is positioned as a strong candidate for the upcoming awards season. Clayton Davis, the awards editor for Variety, has projected nominations in nearly every major category. His predictions include wins for best picture, supporting actress, casting, cinematography, editing, sound, and original score.

The December screening offers viewers the opportunity to watch the film on the largest screens in the country. The premium format was a key driver of the box office performance during the summer months.