Universal Pictures chose to forgo influencer preview screenings for its upcoming film, 'The Odyssey.' The film is an adaptation of Homer's epic poem and was directed by Christopher Nolan.

Multiple film critics responded to Universal's decision. David Ehrlich, chief film critic at IndieWire, posted on X, "this is what Homer would have wanted." Kristen Lopez, editor-in-chief of The Film Maven, also commented on X, stating, "Good on Universal! Interesting to see if other studios follow suit (though I'd lean towards no)."

Tim Grierson, senior US critic for Screen International, described the decision to skip influencer showings as a "bold" idea. Grierson stated, "Actual film critics have gotten used to how the studios try to diminish whatever importance we have by often letting influencers be the first people to sound off on a film." He added, "It's just another way in which Hollywood tries to instill the idea that some new piece-of-crap blockbuster is really 'for the fans, not the critics.'"

Grierson stated, "Essentially, the studio is declaring that it doesn't need influencers—who tend to be very gushy and uncritical—to bolster the film's initial word-of-mouth." He explained, "It was also a canny move on Nolan's part, because now whoever does get invited to a press screening—including influencers, who will see it at the same time as the rest of us—will feel like, 'Oh wow, Christopher Nolan values me as a smart, professional critic!'" Grierson added, "Whether or not that's intentional, it's certainly not the worst way to endear yourself to the people responsible for evaluating your movie." He also stated, "It would become its own weird stamp of approval. 'No, seriously, this extremely hyped film is actually good—you don't have to take the word of the influencers we helped cultivate to do our shilling for us!'"

'The Odyssey' is scheduled for its global premiere on July 7 in London. The film has set a record for the most seats sold in a 24-hour period at BFI Imax in the UK. Showings in premium IMAX and 70-mm formats in the U.S. have also sold out. Industry projections estimate the film's opening weekend gross will range between $80 million and $100 million. Tickets for 'The Odyssey' were reportedly listed by scalpers on eBay for up to $1,000.