Christopher Nolan films Homer's "The Odyssey"!

The time has finally come: Christopher Nolan's new project has been unveiled. The master director is devoting himself to an epic film adaptation of Homer's "The Odyssey"!

According to Universal Pictures, it is a "mythic action epic" that will be shot using brand new IMAX film technology.

Homer's "The Odyssey" is one of the oldest literary works in the world and tells of the adventures of the Greek hero Odysseus on his dangerous journey home after the Trojan War. The story has already found its way into the cinema several times: in 1911, the epic was first adapted as a silent film by Giuseppe de Liguoro, while in 1954 Kirk Douglas shone in the leading role in "Ulysses". A modern interpretation of the material was also provided by the satirical comedy "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" from 2000.

As usual, Nolan has put together an impressive cast to do justice to the original. The leading roles are played by some of Hollywood's biggest stars, including Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Zendaya, Lupita Nyong'o, Robert Pattinson and Charlize Theron. Tom Holland recently revealed in a podcast that he knew very little about the project:

"I'm super excited, but it's been pretty quiet about the project. I met with Nolan and it was awesome. He kind of loosely pitched what it is, and I'm sure when he's ready he'll announce what it's about".

The new blockbuster will be released in cinemas on July 17, 2026, with filming set to begin in spring 2025 according to initial information.

The most impressive films shot in the IMAX format

The IMAX format has revolutionized the film industry by providing a viewing experience that catapults the viewer right into the middle of the action. With its high image resolution, impressive size and immersive audio quality, IMAX has become the preferred choice for directors looking to tell epic stories. Here are some of the most famous films shot entirely or partially in IMAX and why they made movie history.

1. "The Dark Knight" (2008)

Christopher Nolan's "The Dark Knight" was one of the first feature films to be partially shot with IMAX cameras and set new standards for blockbuster cinema. Nolan used IMAX to capture the action sequences and epic cityscapes of Gotham City, particularly in the spectacular scene where the Joker plans a heist. The decision to use IMAX cameras gave the film unprecedented visual depth and made it a milestone in the history of modern cinema.

2. "Interstellar" (2014)

Christopher Nolan is known for his repeated use of the IMAX format, and "Interstellar" shows why. The breathtaking space shots were captured with IMAX cameras to make the vastness of the universe and the emotional depth of the story tangible. From the majestic Saturn to the alien planets, the IMAX format made viewers feel like they were actually traveling through the vastness of space.

3. "Avatar" (2009)

James Cameron's "Avatar" was not only a technological breakthrough in the field of 3D, but also a film that played to the strengths of the IMAX format. Although not shot entirely in IMAX, "Avatar" was optimized for IMAX screens to maximize the immersive experience of Pandora. The film became a worldwide box office hit and showed how IMAX technology can be used to bring fantastic worlds to life.

4. "Dunkirk" (2017)

Another Christopher Nolan masterpiece, "Dunkirk" was shot 75% with IMAX cameras and is a prime example of the use of this format in war films. The vast beaches, the oppressive aerial battles and the overwhelming atmosphere of the evacuation were intensified by the IMAX format. Nolan's decision to minimize the dialogue and let the images speak for themselves worked brilliantly thanks to the visual power of IMAX.

5. "Avengers: Endgame" (2019)

The final battle in "Avengers: Endgame" was shot entirely with IMAX cameras and offered a viewing experience that superhero fans will never forget. The IMAX format took advantage of the size and detail to capture the epic clashes between the heroes and the all-powerful Thanos. With its expansive screen, every scene was a spectacle.

6. "First Man" (2018)

Damien Chazelle used IMAX to depict the moon landing in "First Man" in unprecedented detail. The crucial sequence in which Neil Armstrong (played by Ryan Gosling) sets foot on the moon was shot entirely with IMAX cameras. The visual quality enhanced the emotional and historical significance of this moment and made it one of the highlights of the film.

7. "Top Gun: Maverick" (2022)

Tom Cruise returned in "Top Gun: Maverick" and took the IMAX format to a new level. The breathtaking flight sequences, which were actually filmed in real fighter jets, shone in all their glory in the IMAX format. Viewers felt as if they were sitting in the cockpit themselves, making the film one of the most successful IMAX blockbusters of recent years.

8. "Oppenheimer" (2023)

Christopher Nolan's "Oppenheimer" is a tribute to IMAX technology. The film was filmed almost entirely in IMAX, including sequences in black and white that were specially developed for the 70 mm IMAX format. The dramatic story of J. Robert Oppenheimer and the development of the atomic bomb was made even more intense by the IMAX format, as it made the tensions and moral conflicts tangible.

Conclusion

IMAX has established itself as the gold standard for cinematic experiences. Films such as "The Dark Knight", "Interstellar" and "Top Gun: Maverick" show how the format has revolutionized the way films are seen and experienced. Directors such as Christopher Nolan and James Cameron have recognized the potential of IMAX and use it to bring their visions to the screen in unprecedented size and detail. For movie lovers, IMAX offers not just entertainment, but an experience that redefines the boundaries of cinema.