Blockbuster response: Roadhouse, other theaters hope big-budget films bring in audiences

Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey” opened in theaters Friday, giving moviegoers a new adaptation of Homer’s ancient Greek epic and theater owners a potential summer boost.

The film is Nolan’s first feature since “Oppenheimer,” which won the Academy Award for best picture. Early projections put its worldwide opening weekend above $100 million. Analysts say a strong lineup of major releases could make 2026 one of the strongest moviegoing years since before the COVID-19 pandemic.

Robert Groves, a University of Arizona classics professor, said he is interested in seeing how Nolan handles a story that has shaped Western literature for nearly 3,000 years. The film also has theater operators watching closely, since major summer releases typically bring in their largest crowds.

Nancy Rodriguez, manager of Tucson’s RoadHouse Cinemas, said attendance has been slower than expected despite some successful films this year. She hopes “The Odyssey” and upcoming movies such as “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” encourage more people to return to theaters, including for premium formats such as IMAX.