The Journal

Can't Get an IMAX Ticket? That's Kind of the Point

IMAX CEO Richard Gelfond explains why the scarcity of 70mm film theaters enhances the appeal of Christopher Nolan's latest film.

IMAX CEO Richard Gelfond discusses the company's origins, his relationship with Christopher Nolan, and the strategic value of limited 70mm IMAX theater availability.

4
25 minJul 23, 2026The Journal.

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Can't Get an IMAX Ticket? That's Kind of the Point.

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Key takeaways

What to know before you press play.

01

Nolan's Film Drives Summer Demand

Christopher Nolan's 'The Odyssey' is one of the biggest movies of the year and is his first film entirely shot on IMAX 70mm film.

12
02

Scarcity Creates Coveted Tickets

With fewer than 40 70mm film IMAX theaters in the United States, tickets for the film are among the most coveted this summer.

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03

CEO Discusses Strategy and Origins

IMAX CEO Richard Gelfond talks about the company's origins, his relationship with Nolan, and why he isn't scared of competitors.

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Ask GenPod next

Keep the question moving.

01

How does IMAX plan to expand its 70mm theater count?

02

What other films are being shot on IMAX 70mm?

03

How does IMAX compete with digital projection?

Questions

Questions to carry into the episode.

Why are IMAX tickets so hard to find?

There are fewer than 40 70mm film IMAX theaters in the United States, making those tickets some of the most coveted this summer.

3
What is special about 'The Odyssey'?

It is Christopher Nolan's first film entirely shot on IMAX 70mm film and is one of the biggest movies of the year.

12
Who is the CEO of IMAX?

Richard Gelfond is the CEO of IMAX.

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Experts

Voices named in the source.

Richard Gelfond

IMAX CEO

4

Sources and disclosure

Where this guide comes from.

This guide is based on the episode 'Can't Get an IMAX Ticket? That's Kind of the Point' from The Journal, published on 2026-07-23.

  1. Publisher show notes

    Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey” is one of the biggest movies of the year.

  2. Publisher show notes

    It is also his first film entirely shot on IMAX 70mm film.

  3. Publisher show notes

    But there are fewer than 40 70mm film IMAX theaters in the United States, making those tickets some of the most coveted this summer.

  4. Publisher show notes

    Ryan Knutson talks with IMAX’s CEO, Richard Gelfond, about the company’s origins, his relationship with Nolan and why he isn’t scared of competitors.

  5. Publisher show notes

    Further Listening:

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    - These Movies Finally Got Gen Z Into Theaters

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    - Why Hollywood Can't Find Good Scripts

  8. Publisher show notes

    Sign up for WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter.

  9. Publisher show notes

    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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