Christopher Nolan superfan postpones childbirth to watch 'The Odyssey' in IMAX

Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey has inspired extraordinary devotion from moviegoers, but one fan may have taken that enthusiasm further than anyone expected after reportedly delaying the birth of her second child to ensure she could experience the epic in IMAX 70mm.

The fan, identified as Amber Connaghan, shared that she carefully planned the timing of her second pregnancy around Nolan's long-awaited adaptation of Homer's epic poem after learning the film would be released on July 17, 2026. She wanted to avoid giving birth close to opening weekend so she could watch the film in its intended format without interruption.

According to reports, Connaghan and her husband will drive around three hours to reach one of the few cinemas screening The Odyssey in IMAX 70mm, the premium format Nolan used to shoot the entire film. She said the experience was important enough that they organised their family plans around it.

Connaghan is far from the only fan going to unusual lengths for the film. Nolan enthusiasts have reportedly booked flights, travelled across state lines and paid premium prices for the limited IMAX 70mm screenings, many of which sold out months in advance. Opening-night resale tickets have also surged in price because of overwhelming demand.

The unprecedented excitement reflects the anticipation surrounding Nolan's first film since his Oscar-winning Oppenheimer. Adapted from Homer's ancient Greek epic, The Odyssey stars Matt Damon as Odysseus, whose decade-long journey home after the Trojan War sees him confront mythical creatures, vengeful gods and impossible trials.

The film also features Tom Holland as Telemachus, Anne Hathaway as Penelope, Robert Pattinson as Antinous, Zendaya as Athena, Charlize Theron, Lupita Nyong'o, Jon Bernthal and Elliot Page. It marks the first feature ever shot entirely using IMAX 70mm film cameras, a technological milestone that has become a major selling point for audiences eager to experience Nolan's vision as intended.

Early reactions from critics have been overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the film's scale, practical filmmaking and emotional storytelling. Combined with record-breaking advance ticket sales, the response has positioned The Odyssey as one of the biggest cinematic events of 2026.

Whether or not delaying childbirth for a film becomes a trend, Connaghan's story has become one of the most talked-about examples of the extraordinary excitement surrounding Nolan's latest epic ahead of its worldwide release.