Cinema audiences return in record numbers as The Odyssey dominates the big screen
The big-screen experience is making a powerful comeback. The Odyssey has delivered Ster-Kinekor’s biggest IMAX opening weekend since 2019, with moviegoers filling cinemas across South Africa for the highly anticipated blockbuster.
Shot entirely with IMAX film cameras, The Odyssey recorded sold-out screenings across Ster-Kinekor’s nine IMAX cinemas, marking one of the strongest IMAX launches in the company’s history.
Globally, the film earned an impressive $263.5 million during its opening weekend, surpassing its reported $250 million production budget in just three days. The success places the epic alongside some of the biggest box office releases of recent years.
Ster-Kinekor celebrates a record-breaking IMAX weekend
According to Lynne Wylie, Chief Marketing Officer at Ster-Kinekor Theatres, the performance is the company’s biggest IMAX opening weekend since blockbuster titles such as Avengers: Infinity War, Avengers: Endgame and The Lion Kingdominated cinemas.
“The Odyssey officially ranks as one of the best-performing IMAX opening weekends in Ster-Kinekor’s history,” says Wylie.
The results highlight renewed enthusiasm for premium cinema experiences, with audiences choosing immersive IMAX screenings for major film releases.
Michael joins the box office success story
The success of The Odyssey follows another milestone for cinemas worldwide.
The musical biopic Michael has become the first biographical film to surpass $1 billion at the global box office. After exceeding opening weekend expectations, the film has established itself as one of the highest-grossing music biopics ever released.
South African audiences can still watch Michael at selected Ster-Kinekor cinemas nationwide.
Blockbuster season is only getting started
Ster-Kinekor says strong attendance has continued throughout the winter school holidays, driven by family favourites including Toy Story 5, Minions & Monsters and Moana.
The blockbuster line-up continues throughout the rest of 2026 with several highly anticipated releases arriving in cinemas:
- Spider-Man: Brand New Day – 29 July 2026
- Street Fighter (Filmed for IMAX) – 16 October 2026
- The Cat in the Hat (3D) – 6 November 2026
- The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping (IMAX) – 20 November 2026
- Dune: Chapter 3 (Filmed for IMAX) – 18 December 2026
- Avengers: Dooms Day – 18 December 2026
- Jumanji: Open World (IMAX) – 25 December 2026
South African talent takes centre stage
Looking ahead to 2027, South African actress Thuso Mbedu will headline Children of Blood and Bone, arriving in IMAX cinemas on 15 January.
Directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood and filmed entirely in South Africa, the fantasy epic features an international cast including Viola Davis, Idris Elba, Chiwetel Ejiofor and Cynthia Erivo.
The production is expected to showcase South Africa’s film industry on the global stage while celebrating one of the country’s brightest acting talents.
Experience cinema the way it was meant to be
With an exciting calendar of blockbuster releases on the horizon, Ster-Kinekor believes there has never been a better time to return to the movies.
Whether watching an IMAX spectacle or the latest family favourite, the cinema experience continues to offer immersive visuals, powerful surround sound and a level of entertainment that streaming simply cannot match.
The Odyssey is now showing at Ster-Kinekor IMAX cinemas, including Eastgate, Rosebank, Mall of Africa, Cradlestone, The Grove, Baywest, V&A Waterfront, Blue Route and CapeGate.
