Christopher Nolan’s upcoming epic, The Odyssey, is generating significant buzz ahead of its July 17, 2026, release date through a series of novelty concessions. Universal Pictures has unveiled two distinct collectible popcorn buckets designed to incentivize moviegoers to return to theaters in an era of streaming, according to nypost.com.
The IMAX Camera Bucket
The first collectible released for the film is an IMAX camera popcorn bucket, modeled after the IMAX 15/65mm Camera. This specific hardware is the same “Gold Standard” technology Christopher Nolan used for The Odyssey, as well as Interstellar and The Dark Knight. According to gizmodo.com, The Odyssey is the first feature film ever to be shot entirely in IMAX, made possible by a new camera that allows Nolan to film every scene without sound concerns.
The collectible features a lens, a side panel of controls, and a viewfinder that lights up to reveal a scene from the movie in IMAX’s exclusive 1.43:1 Expanded Aspect Ratio. The buckets went up for presale on a Thursday alongside IMAX tickets and sold out on their first day.
The Trojan Horse Controversy
The second collectible is a Trojan Horse popcorn bucket, a nod to the Greek mythology at the center of the film. Rather than hiding soldiers, the wooden horse features a secret hatch in the stomach area that opens to reveal popcorn. The bucket is available at Cinemark, Regal, and AMC locations, though azcentral.com reports that at the time of their reporting, only Regal and Cinemark were offering the item.
The design has sparked mixed reactions on social media. Some fans have criticized the size, with one Instagram user calling it the smallest popcorn content of all time,
while others on X have questioned the placement of the hatch. Some users have jokingly requested a cyclops face bucket
where popcorn could be eaten out of the eyeball.
Market Trends and Practicality
The push for high-end movie merchandise is part of a broader industry trend. According to a November 2025 report from Time, AMC recorded annual sales of over $54 million in collectible popcorn buckets in the mid-2020s, a sharp increase from reportedly $0 revenue in 2018. Other recent novelty vessels have included a $65 Corvette bucket for Barbie and a handbag for The Devil Wears Prada 2.
However, some critics argue these items prioritize display value over utility. Analysis from aol.com suggests that both The Odyssey buckets are impractical; the IMAX camera is described as uncomfortable to hold, while eating from the Trojan Horse is characterized as a Sisyphean effort.
Film Details and Cast
The Odyssey features a massive ensemble cast, including:
- Matt Damon
- Tom Holland
- Anne Hathaway
- Zendaya
- Robert Pattinson
- Charlize Theron
- Elliot Page
- Travis Scott
- Lupita Nyong’o
- Jon Bernthal
To further build excitement, a life-sized replica of the Trojan Horse has been displayed in Venice Beach, California. The film, which runs nearly three hours, is scheduled to open on July 17, 2026.
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