JULY’ S FILM ODYSSEY
Matt Damon and Zendaya in The Odyssey
By Lori Vernon
T
he 2026 summer box office is on track to become Hollywood’ s biggest and most profitable season since 2019. According to * The New York Times, domestic ticket sales have risen approximately 14 %– 16 % compared with 2025, surpassing $ 4.4 billion and nearing pre-pandemic levels. Driven by a strong slate of blockbuster releases and robust audience turnout, the season has reaffirmed the enduring appeal of the theatrical experience. With major films still to come this month, including The Odyssey and Spider-Man: Brand New Day, industry analysts are increasingly optimistic that 2026 could become the first postpandemic year to approach— or even surpass— $ 10 billion in domestic box office revenue, per the The Wall Street Journal.
The Odyssey
Directed by Christopher Nolan Rated R • July 17- In Theaters
Academy Award-winning filmmaker Christopher Nolan brings The Odyssey to the big screen in a sweeping, mythic action epic, filmed across the globe using groundbreaking IMAX ® film technology. For the first time, Homer ' s timeless masterpiece is brought to IMAX audiences on a grand scale, immersing viewers in one of history ' s greatest adventures. Starring Matt Damon as Odysseus, the legendary king of Ithaca, the film follows his perilous decade-long journey home after the Trojan War. Battling ruthless gods, unforgiving seas, and legendary creatures, Odysseus must overcome impossible trials to reunite with his devoted wife, Penelope( Anne Hathaway). Along the way, he confronts the fearsome Cyclops Polyphemus, resists the deadly lure of the Sirens, and encounters the enigmatic nymph Calypso. Meanwhile, his son Telemachus( Tom Holland) embarks on his own journey to uncover his father ' s fate. Featuring an all-star ensemble cast including Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong ' o, Zendaya, and Charlize Theron.
Minions & Monsters
Directed by Pierre Coffin Rated PG • July 1- In Theaters
This is the rambunctious, ridiculous, and totally true story of how the Minions conquered Hollywood, became movie stars, lost everything, unleashed monsters onto the world, and then banded together to save the planet from the mayhem they created. Starring Allison Janney, Christoph Waltz, Jeff Bridges, Jesse Eisenberg, Zoey Deutch, Bobby Moynihan, Phil LaMarr, with Trey Parker.
Young Washington
Directed by Jon Erwin Rated PG-13 • July 3- In Theaters
Before he was the Father of a Nation, he was a soldier fighting to survive. A single misstep thrusts young George Washington( William Franklyn-Miller) into the center of a global conflict, testing his honor, loyalty, and courage. As alliances crumble and the frontier erupts into war, he must confront not only his enemies but the man he ' s becoming. Co-starring Mary-Louise Parker, Kelsey Grammer, Andy Serkis, and Sir Ben Kingsley.
Evil Dead Burn
Directed by Sébastien Vanicek RatedR • July10-InTheaters
Evil Dead Burn unleashes the franchise’ s most savage and terrifying ride to date, blazing onto big screens with an all-new chapter of carnage and demonic mayhem. After the loss of her husband, a woman( Souheila Yacoub) seeks solace with her in-laws in their secluded family home. As one by one they are transformed into Deadites— turning the gathering into a family reunion from hell— she comes to discover that the vows she took in life... live on even in death.
Moana
Directed by Thomas Nail Rated PG • July 10- In Theaters In Disney’ s live-action reimagining of the beloved animated adventure, Moana( Catherine Laga? aia) answers the Ocean’ s call and, for the first time, voyages beyond the reef of her island of Motunui with the infamous demigod Maui( Dwayne Johnson) on an unforgettable journey to restore prosperity to her people.
12 illinoisentertainer. com july 2028