IMAX is reportedly exploring a potential sale after approaching several entertainment companies as possible buyers. Over the years, IMAX has transformed itself into the face of large-scale blockbuster experiences through films like Avatar: Fire and Ash and Project Hail Mary, turning premium-format viewing into one of Hollywood’s biggest theatrical weapons. And now, as studios continue battling for dominance across high-end cinema screens, IMAX still seems far from done evolving its grip over the blockbuster experience.

IMAX has rapidly expanded its grip over the premium cinema business, jumping from 3.2% of the domestic box office in 2019 to 5.2% in 2025. The reported sale talks arrive as premium theatrical formats continue growing faster than the overall box office itself, with premium screens now making up 16% of ticket sales across the U.S. and Canada compared with 13% in 2021. Amid the surge, IMAX CEO Rich Gelfond previously described the company as “an incredibly valuable player,” whether independently operated or owned by a larger company.

“An incredibly valuable player, either as a wholly differentiated publicly traded company or as part of a larger company,” Gelfond said.

While the reported sale talks still remain at an early stage, IMAX stock has already climbed nearly 40% since last summer, with shares jumping another 10% in after-hours trading following the report. Valued at roughly $1.85 billion, IMAX remains a relatively small acquisition target for major entertainment companies. However, one growing concern is whether a Hollywood studio owner could prioritise its own films while competing for premium IMAX screens during major blockbuster clashes.

Meanwhile, 2026 already seems to be turning into another massive year for IMAX with a stacked blockbuster lineup preparing to dominate premium screens.

The blockbuster lineup fuelling IMAX’s 2026 boom

The year already started strong for IMAX with major titles like Project Hail Mary, Mercy, The Super Mario Bros. Movie 2, and Michael dominating premium screens. But the studio slate still seems far from slowing down. Upcoming months already pack massive releases, including The Mandalorian and Grogu on May 22, Disclosure Day on June 12, Toy Story 5 on June 19, Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow on June 26, Moana on July 10, and The Odyssey on July 17, with Christopher Nolan filming the entire project using 70mm IMAX cameras.

Meanwhile, IMAX has already locked an explosive winter slate as well. The second half of 2026 includes Resident Evil in September, an untitled Tom Cruise project in October, Street Fighter, The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, and The Chronicles of Narnia: The Magician's Nephew from Greta Gerwig. However, the biggest screen battle may arrive in December, where Avengers: Doomsday and Dune: Part Three are currently preparing to clash over the same IMAX release window on December 18.

And with Hollywood’s biggest blockbusters already fighting for premium screens, IMAX’s next move could completely shift the future of theatrical cinema.

What are your thoughts on IMAX reportedly exploring a potential sale amid Hollywood’s premium screen wars? Let us know in the comments,

Written by

Lisa Roy

Edited by

Aliza Siddiqui