Greta Gerwig's upcoming 'Chronicles of Narnia' adaptation has secured a major theatrical release on IMAX screens before it eventually makes its streaming debut on Netflix.
- January 18, 2025
AceShowbiz - Greta Gerwig, the Oscar-nominated "Barbie" filmmaker, has convinced Netflix to grant her a significant theatrical release for her upcoming adaptation of C.S. Lewis' "Chronicles of Narnia."
The film is set to hit 1,000 IMAX screens over Thanksgiving weekend in 2026 before making its streaming debut on Netflix at Christmas. This move marks a departure from Netflix's typical strategy of eschewing theatrical releases in favor of direct-to-streaming premieres.
Previously, Netflix had provided exclusive theatrical runs to films like Rian Johnson's "Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery" and Martin Scorsese's "The Irishman," but the Imax rollout of "Narnia" is a first-of-its-kind for the streaming giant.
Gerwig's massive success with "Barbie," which became the highest-grossing film of 2023, has likely played a role in Netflix's decision. The deal with Imax was reportedly in the works for months, as Gerwig lobbied for a fittingly grand release for her adaptation.
The film is currently in production. Netflix acquired the film and TV rights to the "Chronicles of Narnia" series in 2018, and Gerwig was attached to direct shortly after her success with "Little Women."
With the Imax partnership and Gerwig's star power, Netflix is hoping to establish "Narnia" as its next major franchise. The seven books in the series have sold over 115 million copies and have been translated into 57 languages worldwide. The first "Narnia" movie, "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe", was released in 2005.
