Odyssey IMAX London Update: Anticipated Ticket Releases and Alternative Cinema Options

Limited tickets are still up for grabs to experience Christopher Nolan’s grand cinematic achievement, ‘The Odyssey’, at one of London’s two IMAX cinemas, following an overwhelming demand that has led to full bookings for the past two months. The BFI IMAX at Waterloo, which boasts the largest screen in Britain, has completely sold out all 173 showings of ‘The Odyssey’ until September 10. However, the capital’s other IMAX venue, the Ronson Theatre at the Science Museum, still has some availability for matinee screenings between Monday, August 24, and Friday, August 28, as of the latest updates.

Upcoming Showings at the Science Museum

While the September schedule at the Science Museum is yet to be finalised, some confirmed dates for ‘The Odyssey’ include September 4, 8, 10, 12, and 13. There is also a possibility of additional showings being announced in the coming week. For the time being, the Science Museum’s schedule is booked solid for July and August, making this a rare opportunity for eager fans. On the other hand, Cineworld Leicester Square IMAX offers a more flexible option, with numerous daily screenings scheduled over the upcoming months.

Although the Cineworld Leicester Square IMAX screen is slightly broader, the BFI IMAX in Waterloo features a significantly taller screen, creating a notably larger overall image. The BFI’s 1.43:1 screen is among the few globally capable of presenting the full IMAX format for films like ‘The Odyssey’, establishing it as the ideal venue for the most immersive viewing experience. However, Cineworld Leicester Square remains an excellent alternative for those unable to secure tickets at the BFI, offering a dual-laser IMAX screen that promises a premium cinematic experience.

A Cinematic Phenomenon

‘The Odyssey’ has already emerged as a box office sensation, breaking records with an impressive opening weekend gross of $264 million (£198.2 million) and sparking a surge in sales of Homer’s legendary epic. The film has ignited discussions and debates among both scholars and casual viewers alike, with its three-hour epic narrative drawing audiences to experience it on colossal IMAX screens. Over the course of eight weeks, all 173 consecutive IMAX 70mm screenings at the BFI have completely sold out, with fans reportedly travelling from afar, including Singapore, Los Angeles, and Toronto, to witness this cinematic marvel.

Madeleine Mullett, the BFI IMAX programme manager, commented, “The extraordinary demand for our IMAX 70mm presentation of ‘The Odyssey’, experienced as intended by the filmmakers, is ultimate proof of the appetite audiences have for cinema at its most authentic.”

Star-Studded Cast and Groundbreaking Production

‘The Odyssey’ is an adaptation of Homer’s ancient Greek epic, featuring Matt Damon as Odysseus, the Greek king of Ithaca, who embarks on a perilous ten-year journey home after the Trojan War. Notably, it is the first feature film shot entirely with IMAX film cameras. The film has also surpassed the previous presale records at BFI IMAX, previously held by ‘Dune: Part Two’ (2024), which earned £366,000 in its first 24 hours, and ‘Oppenheimer’, which garnered £254,000 in the same timeframe while selling 28,000 tickets. The film’s impressive ensemble cast includes Anne Hathaway, Tom Holland, Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong’o, Samantha Morton, Zendaya, and Charlize Theron.

The BFI IMAX is one of only three IMAX 70mm prints available in the UK. For those eager to stay informed about London’s most exciting events, the latest restaurant openings, and the best deals, the Going Out Out newsletter is a must-subscribe. Sign up for updates and never miss out!