Universal Makes a Surprising Move by Skipping Influencer Screenings for ‘The Odyssey’

Universal is taking a different approach with Christopher Nolan’s upcoming epic The Odyssey. The studio has decided not to hold early word-of-mouth screenings for influencers and fan accounts, choosing instead to let the film’s official premiere and critic screenings lead the conversation.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Universal will skip the type of preview events that have become common in Hollywood, where influencers and online personalities watch major movies early and share short reactions on social media before professional reviews arrive. The Odyssey will have its global premiere in London on July 6, followed by screenings for film critics.

The decision is being seen as a confident move from the studio. In recent years, many studios have used influencer screenings to create early excitement around big releases. Positive reactions from online creators often appear days or even weeks before full reviews, helping build hype and encouraging audiences to buy tickets.

However, the growing relationship between studios and influencers has also created some skepticism among movie fans. Many viewers have started questioning whether some early reactions are genuine opinions or part of a marketing strategy.

The Hollywood Reporter pointed to recent examples where influencer promotions created debate online. Disney faced criticism after a promotional event involving Pedro Pascal and The Mandalorian and Grogu was presented in a way that made it appear like he surprised regular Disneyland visitors. Some people later questioned how natural the moment actually was.

Another recent example involved Warner Bros.’ Supergirl. Early influencer reactions praised the film heavily, with some calling it “the best blockbuster of the summer!” However, when professional critic reviews arrived, the response was much more mixed, with the movie receiving a lower score on Rotten Tomatoes.

Universal has used influencer screenings before, including for Disclosure Day, which received very positive early reactions online. One viral comment called it “Spielberg’s best film in 20 years,” but the reaction also became a topic of discussion among critics and people who were less impressed with the movie.

While it is unclear if studios will completely move away from influencer screenings, Universal’s choice for The Odyssey could influence how other major films handle early marketing. Some see the decision as a sign that a strong movie does not need online hype before critics and audiences have a chance to see it.

The timing is especially interesting because The Odyssey is one of the biggest upcoming releases of the year. Directed by Christopher Nolan, the film brings Homer’s famous Greek myth to the big screen and follows Odysseus as he struggles through a dangerous journey home after the Trojan War.

The movie stars Matt Damon as Odysseus, with Tom Holland playing his son Telemachus and Anne Hathaway portraying his wife Penelope. The cast also includes Charlize Theron as Calypso, Robert Pattinson as Antinous, John Leguizamo as Eumaeus, and Jon Bernthal as Menelaus.

The Odyssey is scheduled to arrive in theaters on July 17. With Universal keeping early influencer reactions out of the spotlight, the film’s first major public responses will come from critics and regular moviegoers after its premiere.

Have something to add? Let us know in the comments!