Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey will be avoiding social media influencer screenings, instead going straight to critics, according to a new report.
The Oscar winner’s follow-up to Oppenheimer is one of the most anticipated films of the year, and stars Matt Damon in an adaptation of Homer’s epic poem about the leader of an army’s journey home from war. Co-starring Robert Pattinson, Anne Hathaway, and Tom Holland among others, it wowed audiences with its first footage reveal earlier this year.
Now, The Hollywood Reporter is sharing that the film will avoid the now-customary influencer screenings that come before the film is shown to critics. Typically, online influencers are shown the film at the premiere or an early screening, then allowed to post short reactions on social media, which are usually more enthusiastic and less intricate than critics’ reviews. However, the practice has been met with growing scepticism by audiences, given some overly generous reactions to movies that were ultimately poorly received by critics and the public.
It also reflects the traditional release process preferred by Nolan, who is a champion of the theatrical experience and insists on extended cinema runs for his movies, as well the option for them to be shown on film rather than digital projectors. The Odyssey is in cinemas from July 17.
Recently, cast member Lupita Nyong’o responded to racist backlash about her being cast as Helen Of Troy in the blockbuster epic. “I’m very supportive of Chris’s intention with it and with the version of this story that he is telling,” she told Elle. “Our cast is representative of the world. I’m not spending my time thinking of a defence. The criticism will exist whether I engage with it or not.”
Elsewhere, the film unveiled its tie-in popcorn bucket, which is shaped like the mythical trojan horse from the story.