Sony chief says ‘The Odyssey’ and ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ proves “people are going to the movies again”
The boss of Sony Pictures, Tom Rothman, has said that the release of both The Odyssey and Spider-Man: Brand New Day in such close proximity proves that “people are going to the movies again”.
The Christopher Nolan epic and the latest Marvel instalment have become among the biggest talking points of the year so far, particularly with the link of Tom Holland and Zendaya, who star in both movies.
Since its release on July 17th, The Odyssey has grossed over a whopping $640 million worldwide, meaning it is widely expected to become one of the most successful films of 2026.
However, Spider-Man: Brand New Day is set to follow hotly on its heels, with its impending release on July 31st creating a huge sense of excitement and renewed purpose for Marvel.
The connection between the two movies is made all the more significant as, in an unprecedented move, Marvel agreed to push the Spider-Man release back, in order for Holland to star in The Odyssey.
This might have seemed like an uncharacteristic decision to some, but at the film’s premiere on July 27th, Sony Pictures boss Rothman insisted it had been beneficial.
He told The Hollywood Reporter: “We sort of recognised that it was a rare opportunity for him [Holland]. It’s unusual, to say the least, that the two movies came out so close together but I’ve always believed that a rising tide lifts all boats.”
Rothman added, “People are going to the movies again and The Odyssey is a great movie and people enjoy it. I think that’s ultimately going to be very good for Spider-Man as well.”
Early critical indications suggest that Spider-Man: Brand New Day is set for a positive response, which stands Marvel in good stead for its upcoming mammoth Avengers: Doomsday at the end of the year, following a period of filmic flops.
For his own part, describing the superhero role as “the gift of my life”, Holland told the publication, “I will do it for as long as they’ll have me. So if this movie does good, I guess we’ll see!”
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