The Pinball Wizard is coming to the biggest screen of his life: Tommy, the film adaptation of The Who’s rock opera, is set to make its IMAX debut this March, in celebration of the movie’s 50th anniversary. The movie, written and directed by Ken Russell, stars Ann-Margret, Oliver Reed, Roger Daltry, Elton John, Eric Clapton, John Entwistle, Keith Moon, Paul Nicholas, Jack Nicholson, Robert Powell, Pete Townshend, and Tina Turner.
According to the official description:
“Told through the remarkable music of The Who, this is the story of Tommy, who, when just a boy of six, witnessed the murder of his father by his mother (Ann-Margret) and her lover (Oliver Reed). They command him, ‘You didn’t hear it, you didn’t see it, and you won’t say anything to anyone…’ As a result, the traumatized boy retreats into the shadows of his mind and becomes deaf, dumb and blind. Growing into manhood, Tommy (Roger Daltrey) is subjected to several bizarre cure attempts by The Acid Queen (Tina Turner), the Preacher (Eric Clapton), and the Specialist (Jack Nicholson). In spite of his handicap, Tommy defeats the Pinball Wizard (Elton John) and becomes the champ, attaining a devoted following. When he is finally cured, he is hailed by his fans as a ‘Messiah.’”
Tommy will arrive in IMAX theaters on March 17th and 18th. For more, here’s a look back at The Who’s final show at Madison Square Garden in 2025.
