As we recently reported, “Oppenheimer” will be kicking “MI7” out of IMAX theaters after just one week. This is because Universal Pictures ironed out a deal to have Christopher Nolan’s latest play on IMAX screens for three full weeks. Tom Cruise apparently wasn’t happy about this and even made some calls to try and see if something could be done to keep his film in those premium format theaters longer. Since those tickets cost more, it can help a great deal in goosing a movie’s box office grosses. Naturally, both Nolan and Cruise want those IMAX screens both for presentation and financial purposes.
Unfortunately for Cruise, nothing could be done. Nolan will get his three-week run. Be that as it may, the actor decided to go to bat not just for “Oppenheimer,” but “Indy 5” and “Barbie” as well. He clearly just wants theaters to thrive and for the theatrical experience to endure, more than he wants his movie alone to succeed. That is, in my humble opinion, admirable. Solidarity is better for the health of the industry.
“MI7” may get those IMAX screens back a little later in its run anyway. IMAX CEO Rich Gelfond had this to say when those aforementioned reports surfaced:
“I feel sad in a way we can’t accommodate all of them. I know ‘Mission: Impossible’ is going to be a really big movie. Nolan has a special place in IMAX’s heart because he uses our cameras and promotes us. It’s not a matter of us saying which we can make more money on. I would hope after ‘Oppenheimer’s’ run, we can bring back ‘Mission.'”
“Mission: Impossible Dead Reckoning — Part One” is set to hit theaters on July 12, 2023, with “Oppenheimer” and “Barbie” following on July 21.