IMAX Reports Record Box Office from 'The Odyssey' Opening Weekend

IMAX reported continued momentum toward its record $1.4 billion global box office target for 2026 during its Thursday earnings call, driven by Christopher Nolan's 'The Odyssey' opening weekend performance. The film generated $52 million in global IMAX box office over its opening weekend, representing 20% of the film's worldwide debut despite IMAX locations accounting for less than 1% of total screens. The strong performance eased investor concerns that emerged when Netflix and Greta Gerwig's 'Narnia: The Magician's Nephew' was pushed from its November release date to February 2027, with IMAX shares jumping more than 8% on Thursday following the earnings report.

'The Odyssey' Breaks IMAX Box Office Records

'The Odyssey' opening was 47% higher than Nolan's previous film 'Oppenheimer,' which hauled in more than $190 million via IMAX throughout its run in 2023. The film secured $11 million on Monday and $10.6 million on Tuesday, marking the best Tuesday performance of all time for IMAX, according to CEO Rich Gelfond. Gelfond stated that presales for the second weekend would qualify on its own as one of IMAX's biggest opening weekends ever.

IMAX Confirms Upcoming Film Slate Through Year-End

IMAX confirmed its remaining 2026 film slate includes Sony and Marvel's 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day,' Zach Cregger's 'Resident Evil,' Tom Cruise's 'Digger,' 'Godzilla Minus One,' David Fincher's 'The Adventures of Cliff Booth' starring Brad Pitt and based on Quentin Tarantino's 'Once Upon a Time in Hollywood,' and Paramount's 'Street Fighter.' Warner Bros. and Denis Villeneuve's 'Dune: Part Three' will close out the year. The first Dune film generated $61 million in IMAX theaters and 'Dune: Part Two' secured $147 million globally.

IMAX Installs 38 Systems in Q2 2026

IMAX installed 38 systems globally during the second quarter, up from 36 during the same period a year prior. CFO Natasha Fernandes stated this represents the highest number of installations in the second quarter in a decade. Nineteen systems were installed in the first quarter. The company is on pace to have 160 to 175 installations by the end of 2026 and currently has a backlog of 421 contracts to build screens.

FAQ

What box office numbers did 'The Odyssey' generate for IMAX on its opening weekend? 'The Odyssey' generated $52 million in global box office for IMAX over its opening weekend, representing 20% of the film's worldwide debut despite IMAX locations accounting for less than 1% of total screens.

How many IMAX systems were installed in Q2 2026? IMAX installed 38 systems globally during the second quarter of 2026, up from 36 during the same period a year prior, marking the highest number of installations in the second quarter in a decade according to CFO Natasha Fernandes.