'It's a Marketing Play'- IMAX Executive Shares His Take on Disney’s New Infinity Vision Certification

Published 05/01/2026, 1:32 PM CDT

The global film industry is currently dominated by massive powerhouses like Disney, Paramount, and IMAX, all vying for control of the premium viewing experience. As theatrical windows become more valuable, these brands are locked in a fierce competition, especially Disney and IMAX, to capture the attention of discerning audiences.

The struggle for dominance is moving beyond just content and into the very technology that defines how a movie is projected on the silver screen.

The premium format showdown between Disney and IMAX

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As reported by The Hollywood Reporter, Walt Disney recently unveiled Infinity Vision, a new certification for premium large format theatres designed to rival existing high-end screens. IMAX CFO Natasha Fernandes dismissed the Disney move as a mere marketing play to compensate for a lack of a specialized platform.

“From our view, we feel it’s a marketing play to try and offset the fact that they don’t have an IMAX platform or brand for Avengers: Doomsday,” Fernandes said. She argued that Marvel fans are among the most savvy and discerning moviegoers who recognize the difference in quality.

This rollout begins with the re-release of Avengers: Endgame and continues with the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday. Meanwhile, IMAX has secured an exclusive three-week run for Dune 3, setting the stage for a massive holiday showdown at the box office.

“There is a reason why we are the undisputed leader in premium cinema worldwide”, Fernandes added. Despite the competition, IMAX continues to focus on providing the gold standard for major exhibitors and filmmakers who demand the best visual fidelity.

IMAX's $1.2 Billion 2025 Makes A Major Statement on Streaming vs Theatre Debates, Proves A Major Point

Fluctuating international markets are forcing industry leaders to adjust their financial expectations for the coming year.

Financial shifts and global box office projections

As reported by The Hollywood Reporter, IMAX recently reported its first-quarter financial results, showing a slight dip in overall revenue compared to the record-breaking previous year. Total revenue for the quarter ending March 31, 2026, reached 81.4 million dollars, influenced largely by a decrease in performance within the Chinese market.

Management anticipates a more balanced release slate for the remainder of 2026, with Hollywood titles like Odyssey expected to perform well. The firm is forecasting a record 1.4 billion dollars in global box office for the full year. To achieve this, they plan to install between 160 and 175 new theatre systems across their global network.

“We haven’t experienced anything significant that will impact our plans for the year,” Fernandes said.

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By focusing on high-demand content and expanding its physical footprint, IMAX aims to recapture the momentum that led to its previous record-setting achievements. The future of cinema technology depends on whether audiences prioritize established brands or embrace new studio certifications.

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What do you think about future of Disney and IMAX? Let us know in the comments.

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Soma Mitra

1264 articles

Soma is a journalist at Netflix Junkie. With a postgraduate degree in Mass Communication, she brings production experience from documentary films like Chandua: Stories on Fabric. Covering the true crime and docu-drama beat, she turns psychological thrillers into sharp, audience-aware storytelling.

Edited By: Hriddhi Maitra

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