Netflix’s Greta Gerwig-Produced “The Chronicles of Narnia” to Release in IMAX Theaters Before Streaming
In a major deal, Netflix has agreed to release Greta Gerwig’s upcoming “The Chronicles of Narnia” film in IMAX theaters worldwide on Thanksgiving Day, 2026, before its streaming debut. The film will be branded as a Netflix/IMAX release and will be partially filmed with IMAX cameras. The deal includes locations in 90 countries, with China still subject to approval from its censors and France unclear due to its own rules for theatrical windowing.
The film will open on approximately 1000 IMAX screens worldwide and will have a four-week theatrical exclusivity period before its streaming release on Christmas. IMAX has guaranteed its screens for the first two weeks, with a third week possible depending on demand. The deal also includes the possibility of non-IMAX theaters screening the film before its Netflix debut.
This deal marks a significant departure from Netflix’s typical approach to theatrical releases, which have been limited to awards-qualifying runs. The streamer has been stingy with theatrical releases, but Gerwig’s success with “Barbie” and her reported push for a greater theatrical presence for “Narnia” may have contributed to the change in strategy.
The deal is seen as a big win for Gerwig, who will have the opportunity to build momentum as one of Hollywood’s young filmmakers. It’s also a win for IMAX, which could benefit from future tentpole-style films. The deal sets a precedent for future deals with marquee filmmakers, and others may inquire about getting their own Gerwig-style deal.
While it’s unclear if this deal will become a new standard for Netflix, it’s seen as a positive development for the streamer’s film division. The deal recognizes the value of theatrical releases and the importance of attracting top talent to the service. As the streaming landscape continues to evolve, it’s possible that Netflix will continue to experiment with different release strategies to stay competitive.