Ster-Kinekor has recorded its biggest IMAX box-office opening weekend since 2019 following the release of The Odyssey, which was shot entirely with IMAX film cameras.
The cinema exhibitor experienced record-breaking attendances across its nine IMAX sites nationwide, with numerous sold-out shows over the weekend.
According to data from Exhibitor Relations, The Odyssey generated $263.5-million globally during its opening weekend, clearing the film’s reported $250-million production budget in three days.
Box office milestone
Lynne Wylie, chief marketing officer of Ster-Kinekor Theatres, said the opening weekend officially ranks as one of the best-performing IMAX titles in the company’s history.
“For Ster-Kinekor, this is the biggest IMAX opening weekend since 2019, when we saw the likes of The Avengers: Infinity War in 2018, and The Avengers: Endgame and The Lion King in 2019 recording major box office figures in IMAX,” Wylie said.
The last comparable performances were registered in 2018 and 2019 with Marvel and Disney releases.
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The film remains on circuit at select Ster-Kinekor cinemas countrywide.
Wylie said cinema attendance has been anchored by a diverse slate of entertainment across genres over the past few months. Mid-year school holiday titles including Toy Story 5, Minions & Monsters, and Moana are still on circuit.
Upcoming releases
Ster-Kinekor will release several blockbuster titles in the coming months across IMAX and other cinema formats.
Spider-Man: Brand New Day opens on 29 July, followed by Street Fighter (filmed for IMAX) on 16 October, The Cat in the Hat (3D) on 6 November, and The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping (IMAX) on 20 November.
December releases include Dune: Chapter 3 (filmed for IMAX) and Avengers: Dooms Day, both opening on 18 December, followed by Jumanji: Open World (IMAX) on 25 December.
South African actress in lead role
Children of Blood and Bone, releasing on 15 January 2027 in IMAX, features South African actress Thuso Mbedu in the leading role as protagonist Zélie Adebola.
Directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, the film was shot entirely on location across South Africa. Mbedu leads a cast that includes Viola Davis, Idris Elba, Chiwetel Ejiofor, and Cynthia Erivo.
Ster-Kinekor’s IMAX cinemas are located at Eastgate, The Zone @ Rosebank, Mall of Africa, and Cradlestone in Johannesburg, The Grove in Tshwane, Baywest in Gqeberha, and at V&A Waterfront, Blue Route and CapeGate in Cape Town.
Bookings can be made at www.sterkinekor.com or through the SK App.
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