Marvel fans hoping to watch Spider-Man: Brand New Day on the big IMAX screen will need to look elsewhere when the Tom Holland and Zendaya-starrer opens in Indian theatres next month. Sony Pictures has confirmed that the film will skip an IMAX release in the country altogether.

The reason traces back to a scheduling clash with Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey, which arrives in cinemas just two weeks before Spider-Man: Brand New Day.

Nolan's film was shot entirely on IMAX cameras, and as per the studio's announcement, it has locked in an exclusive IMAX run from July 17 to August 14 across several markets, including India. Spider-Man: Brand New Day, scheduled for release on July 31, falls squarely within that window, leaving it without access to IMAX screens for its opening run.

Sony Pictures addressed the situation directly, stating that while there will be no IMAX release for the Marvel film in India, it will instead be available across premium large-format, or PLF, screens, which the studio is positioning as an equally immersive big-screen option for audiences.

That explanation has not entirely satisfied fans. Several took to social media to express disappointment, with some pointing out that they had planned trips to other cities specifically to catch the film in IMAX, and others questioning why a Spider-Man release would be denied even a limited number of IMAX screenings given the franchise's pull in India. The frustration has been visible across studio social handles since the news broke.

Adding an unusual twist to the situation is the overlap in casting. Tom Holland and Zendaya, who lead Spider-Man: Brand New Day, also feature in The Odyssey, meaning the two actors are effectively competing against their own film for IMAX screen space this summer.

While one fanbase is disappointed, anticipation for The Odyssey shows no signs of slowing down. Advance bookings for its IMAX 70mm screenings reportedly sold out within hours of going live, reflecting the scale of demand Nolan's films tend to generate, particularly in the large-format segment.

The clash also highlights just how packed IMAX's 2026 release calendar already is. The year opened with Mercy on January 23, followed by The Bride! and Project Hail Mary in March, then The Super Mario Galaxy Movie and Michael in April. The summer stretch alone features Mortal Kombat II, The Mandalorian and Grogu, Toy Story 5, Supergirl, Minions 3 and Moana, before The Odyssey takes over IMAX screens from mid-July. Ranbir Kapoor's Ramayana: Part 1 is also lined up for an IMAX run later in the year, adding to an unusually competitive slate for premium-format screen time.

For now, Spider-Man: Brand New Day will lean on its PLF release to draw audiences when it opens on July 31, even as the IMAX question continues to be a talking point among fans in the lead-up to the film's debut.

Even with its global theatrical release still a month away, Christopher Nolan’s highly anticipated sci-fi epic The Odyssey has triggered an unprecedented box-office stampede in the United Kingdom, obliterating all previous pre-sale records.

The British Film Institute (BFI) IMAX in central London—the UK’s largest cinema screen—confirmed on Wednesday that it sold a staggering 28,000 tickets within the first 24 hours of going live. The opening-day haul raked in £750,000 ($1 million) in gross ticket sales, a historic high for a single venue.

The frenzy has forced the iconic London venue to plan a grueling, round-the-clock screening schedule for its opening weekend. Four prime weekend slots had already sold out a full year in advance, including a highly anticipated special midnight screening that will kick off the non-stop weekend marathons.

Doubling 'Dune' and Quadrupling 'Oppenheimer'

The scale of The Odyssey's box office momentum has caught industry analysts by surprise, leaving previous blockbusters far behind in its wake.

Trade data reveals that the film’s first-day takings at the BFI IMAX more than doubled the previous record set by Denis Villeneuve’s Dune: Part Two, which collected £366,000 ($490,000) during its first 24 hours on sale.

More remarkably, it nearly quadrupled the initial numbers of Nolan’s own Oscar-winning 2023 biographical drama, Oppenheimer, which brought in £254,000 ($340,000) in the same timeframe.

This British box-office surge mirrors the chaotic ticket rollout witnessed across the Atlantic last year. When Premium Large Format (PLF) tickets debuted in the United States in 2025—also an unprecedented full year ahead of schedule—major ticketing platforms crashed under the sheer volume of traffic, leaving fans stuck in digital queues for over an hour.

The US pre-sales generated a massive $3.4 million from 150,000 tickets within a single day. The scarcity has since fueled a rampant black market, with desperate moviegoers spotting scalper listings on eBay fetching as much as $1,500 per ticket for opening-week IMAX screenings.

A Historic Technical First

Beyond the director's massive cult following, The Odyssey is drawing intense interest from cinephiles due to its technical specifications. Industry insiders confirm it is the first feature film in cinematic history to be shot entirely on IMAX 70mm cameras, rather than just selecting specific sequences for the expanded format.

Universal Pictures has backed the project with a lavish ensemble cast, locking in top-tier Hollywood talent including Matt Damon, Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Lupita Nyong’o, and Charlize Theron.

With the global release locked for July 17, exhibitors are bracing for an extended summer run that could reshape the post-pandemic premium format box office landscape.

In a landmark moment for Indian cinema enthusiasts, acclaimed director Christopher Nolan is set to visit Mumbai for the Indian premiere of his much-awaited film The Odyssey. The Oscar-winning filmmaker will make his first appearance in India for a film launch, accompanied by key cast members including Matt Damon and Tom Holland, along with producer Emma Thomas.

The announcement by Universal Pictures International has generated tremendous excitement across the country, positioning Mumbai alongside global hubs like London, Paris and New York for the film’s promotional tour.

Historic Premiere at Iconic Venue

The grand event is scheduled at PVR Icon IMAX at Phoenix Palladium in Mumbai, ahead of the film’s worldwide theatrical release on July 17. This marks Nolan’s maiden Indian premiere, reflecting the growing importance of the Indian market for big-budget Hollywood spectacles.

Sources familiar with the arrangements indicate that the Mumbai premiere is expected to be one of the biggest Hollywood events ever hosted in the country, drawing massive crowds and media attention.

Nolan’s Epic Adaptation

The Odyssey is Nolan’s ambitious adaptation of Homer’s ancient Greek epic poem, which follows the legendary hero Odysseus on his perilous ten-year journey home after the Trojan War. The film comes on the heels of Oppenheimer, which swept the Oscars with seven awards, including Best Picture and Best Director for Nolan.

What sets The Odyssey apart is its groundbreaking technical achievement. Shot entirely using IMAX cameras with newly developed technology, it is being touted as the first feature film captured completely in the IMAX format, promising a visually immersive experience for audiences.

Star-Studded Ensemble Cast

The film boasts an impressive lineup featuring Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong’o, Samantha Morton, Zendaya, and Charlize Theron. Nolan and Emma Thomas are producing the project under their banner Syncopy, continuing their successful collaboration.

Fans have already begun speculating about the roles, with early reports suggesting a high-octane, visually stunning retelling of the classic tale.

Anticipation Builds in India

Advance bookings for IMAX screenings of The Odyssey opened earlier this month across India, with reports of strong demand from moviegoers eager to witness Nolan’s signature style on the big screen. The director’s previous works like Inception, Interstellar, and Dunkirk have enjoyed cult followings here, often driving repeat viewings in premium formats.

The India premiere is likely to boost the film’s visibility significantly in one of the world’s largest film markets. Industry observers note that hosting such an event underscores the rising global clout of Indian audiences and cinema infrastructure.

Nolan’s Growing Connect with India

While Nolan has visited India in the past, this will be his first official film-related trip. The move comes amid increasing collaboration between Hollywood and Indian talent and technicians, with several international productions choosing the country for shooting or promotions in recent years.

Local fans and film critics are thrilled at the prospect of seeing the visionary director up close. Social media has been abuzz since the announcement, with many expressing hopes for a possible masterclass or interaction during the visit.

What to Expect Next

As the July 17 release approaches, more details about the Mumbai event, including red carpet proceedings and possible additional appearances, are expected to emerge. For now, The Odyssey is shaping up to be one of the biggest cinematic events of 2026, blending ancient mythology with modern filmmaking prowess.

The film’s arrival in India is not just a premiere — it represents a significant cultural crossover moment, bringing one of Hollywood’s most cerebral auteurs directly to his devoted Indian fanbase.

The Oscar-winning director and his lead stars will make a historic stop in Mumbai this July, marking Nolan's first film premiere in India.

In a first for Indian cinema audiences, filmmaker Christopher Nolan and the star cast of his upcoming epic "The Odyssey" will travel to Mumbai for the film's India premiere this July, placing the city alongside London, Paris and New York on the global tour.

Nolan, his producer wife Emma Thomas, and lead actors Matt Damon and Tom Holland are scheduled to make a stop in the financial capital as part of the international promotional push for the ambitious retelling of Homer's ancient Greek saga. The development marks the first time a Nolan film will have an official premiere in India.

Mumbai Joins Global Premier Circuit

Universal Pictures International has officially designated Mumbai as a stop on "The Odyssey's" global premiere tour, according to a release. The India premiere will be held at PVR Icon IMAX: Phoenix Palladium in Mumbai, a venue that has previously hosted high-profile international film events.

The decision to include India in the promotional circuit underscores the growing importance of the Indian market for Hollywood studios. Industry observers noted that Nolan's previous film "Oppenheimer" performed exceptionally well in India, contributing significantly to its global box office haul.

A Technological First for IMAX

Shot across multiple locations worldwide using brand new IMAX film technology, "The Odyssey" is the first feature film ever to be shot entirely with IMAX cameras. The film arrives in theaters worldwide on July 17.

Nolan has long been a proponent of IMAX technology, previously using the format for sequences in films like "The Dark Knight," "Dunkirk," and "Tenet." This project represents the culmination of his ambitions with the format, with the entire narrative captured on the large-format film.

Star-Studded Ensemble

Damon and Holland play the central roles of Odysseus and his son Telemachus in the epic saga. They are joined by an ensemble cast that includes Anne Hathaway, Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong'o, Samantha Morton, Zendaya and Charlize Theron.

Produced by Nolan and Thomas for their company Syncopy, the film brings Homer's foundational saga of Odysseus's decade-long voyage home after the fall of Troy to IMAX screens worldwide. Nolan has written the screenplay and directed the project, adapting the ancient Greek epic for contemporary audiences.

The Nolan India Connection

Nolan's relationship with Indian audiences has grown significantly over the years. "Oppenheimer" received widespread acclaim and strong box office returns in the country, with audiences flocking to IMAX screenings across major cities. The director has previously expressed admiration for Indian cinema and filmmakers.

The Mumbai premiere is expected to draw significant attention, with Bollywood celebrities and industry insiders likely to attend the red-carpet event. Sources close to the production confirmed that the team is looking forward to engaging with Indian fans and media during their visit.

 What to Expect

"The Odyssey" marks Nolan's return to large-scale epic storytelling following the intimate, character-driven narrative of "Oppenheimer." The film has been described as a faithful yet innovative adaptation of Homer's classic, utilising cutting-edge technology to bring the ancient tale to life.

With the global tour kicking off in the coming weeks, Mumbai's inclusion signals the growing recognition of India's importance in the global film economy. The July 17 worldwide release date puts "The Odyssey" in prime summer blockbuster territory, with expectations running high for the film's commercial and critical performance.