Over the last few years, the use of IMAX cameras and expanded aspect ratio have been incredibly successful in making moviegoers dish some extra cash for a more refined and enthralling cinematic experience at their local IMAX-equipped movie theater. The fact that IMAX works with the filmmakers at the very earliest stages of a film’s production makes it an invaluable and quality-filled experience for both filmmaker and audience.
What used to be reserved for epic, event-style films, IMAX is now being used by a variety of filmmakers that want to bring an added visual flair to their projects. And now, we have learned of several new films that will be using IMAX cameras for part of their production, and one of these projects might surprise you.
According to IMAX CEO Greg Foster, Ruben Fleischer‘s “Venom,” Damien Chazelle‘s Neil Armstrong biopic “First Man,” the Patty Jenkins-helmed “Wonder Woman 2” and Jon Favreau‘s “The Lion King” will all receive the IMAX treatment. While “Venom,” “Wonder Woman 2,” and “The Lion King,” all seem like natural fits for the technology, the one that stands out is “First Man.”
The follow-up to his massive box office and critical success, “La La Land,” this is the first we’ve heard of Chazelle using IMAX for his upcoming film. Considering the subject matter, we must assume that sequences that feature space flight will be reserved for the IMAX format. This is exciting because it shows just how ubiquitous the IMAX format will be, as the cameras and technology become more refined. Soon enough, we’ll probably have more and more “prestige” films getting the IMAX treatment.
As we’ve mentioned, the use of the IMAX is becoming more common, and the list of filmmakers that dabble in the format has grown over the last few years with, most recently, Denis Villeneuve (“Blade Runner 2049“), Taika Waititi (“Thor: Ragnarok“) and Ryan Coogler (“Black Panther“) expanding their vision with IMAX cameras.
Of course, up next for IMAX is Marvel Studios‘ much anticipated “Avengers: Infinity War,” directed by the Russo Brothers, which is set to become the very first movie to be entirely shot with IMAX digital cameras. While the filmmakers listed above shoot various sequences in IMAX, the Russo Brothers spent more than a year figuring out how to shoot their entire film in the large format.
Suffice to say, IMAX is here to stay and we’re more than happy with that.