Summary
All eyes are onNetflix’supcomingNarniaproject, directed by Greta Gerwig, which is set to change the streaming-theatrical release model for better or for worse. The upcoming adaptation of C.S. Lewis' iconic novels will have a release deal that is likely to set a precedent not just forNetflix, but for all streaming platforms and theaters worldwide.
In July 2023, Netflix hired Greta Gerwig to write and direct at least two moviesbased onThe Chronicles of Narnia. This came around the same time that her filmBarbiewas released and went on to make over $1.5 billion at the box office. Clearly, the film’s success has given the 41-year-old filmmaker the leverage to secure a one-of-a-kind groundbreaking deal for herNarniaproject.
Netflix’s Plans ForNarnia’sRelease, Explained
2-Week IMAX Run Before Streaming Premiere
Earlier this week, Netflix’s two separate release plans for itsNarniaproject were confirmed. Greta Gerwig’s film will have a theatrical release run onThanksgiving Day in 2026. This will be followed by the film’s streaming premiere on Netflix in December 2026, just in time for Christmas. This release model had been an open secret for quite some time, but now that it’s official, it holds significant implications for the future of how we watch movies.
Based On
The Chronicles of Narniabook series by C.S. Lewis
A pre-streaming theatrical release is nothing new for Netflix, which often releases its original titles in limited theaters for a short period to ensure Oscar eligibility. However, what makesNarnia’s release model special this time is that it will receive an exclusivetwo-week global IMAX run. The movie is expected to be screened in around 90 countries across 1,000 different IMAX auditoriums. This is a massive step for any streaming platform, and this new hybrid model is a game-changer.
Why Netflix’s Hybrid Release Model Works
NarniaIs Meant For The Big Screen
For those familiar withThe Chronicles of Narnia, either through the movies or the original novels, it’s clear that these stories belong on the big screen. The highly imaginative fantasy world-building deserves to transcend our phone or TV screens and be experienced on a grander scale. SoNarniagetting an IMAX release, even if only for two weeks, is a massive win. It shows that Netflix is willing to experiment with theatrical releases, especially for projects where they’ve invested significant money, time, and resources.
Theatrical Hit Equals Better Streaming Numbers
It’s a false assumption that Netflix benefits solely from more people moving away from theaters to watch movies at home. While this shift may help them in the short term, theatrical releases actually boost streaming numbers in the long run. This was evident with theirrelease strategy forGlass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery. The film had a limited theatrical run, but that exposure helped drive more attention to it when it debuted on Netflix. The result was one of the platform’s biggest streaming releases of all time.
HowGlass OnionDid It First
Glass Onion’s successshowed Netflix and other streamers that putting some of their films in theaters first actually benefits their streaming platforms. Every dollar they make in theaters is bonus revenue, and at the same time, these releases help boost streaming numbers. It’s surprising that Netflix hasn’t embraced this idea sooner, andNarnia’s potential success could change that. On a practical level, it might push streaming services to consider giving more films, big or small, a three-week or even a one-month theatrical window.
What Makes TheNarnia-Netflix-IMAX Deal Click?
The Source Material Is Already Popular
The timing, nature, and collaborators involved in this deal are all perfectly aligned.Greta Gerwig’sNarniais the ideal big project to start experimenting with this release model. TheNarniaIP is immensely popular, with the books having been translated into 57 languages and selling over 115 million copies worldwide. Additionally, the mild 2000s nostalgia factor from the older movies will also come into play.
IMAX’s Growing Impact On Box Office
Furthermore, choosing the IMAX-exclusive model is what makes this release strategy truly stand out. The large-screen format has been more popular than ever, as seen in the massive success ofChristopher Nolan’sOppenheimerand even theInterstellarre-release. IMAX has been crucial in keeping the theatrical experience alive. In fact, it has become the key factor in whether audiences decide to wait for a film to stream at home or feel compelled to experience it in IMAX.
Greta Gerwig’s Strong Push ForNarnia’sTheatrical Release
None of this would have been possible without Greta Gerwig at the helm.Barbie’s global success was instrumental in making this hybrid release model a reality. Earlier reports suggested that Netflix had to be pushed togiveNarniaa theatrical release, and Gerwig’s influence in that decision seems inevitable.Speaking toDeadlineat an event in 2024, theLady Birddirector hinted at the importance of experiencing the film in theaters.
There are easier ways to make money, less terrifying businesses, but there are none that are more exciting and filled with this much joy and wonder. And I’m willing to bet that everyone in this room had the same experience I did, which is going to a dark theater, watching the lights go down and be transported. Those were my favorite memories growing up, and they’re my favorite experiences now.
How Does This Affect Streaming’s Future?
However,Netflix’sapparent second thoughts about making thisIMAX-exclusive release modelhappen are still a minor cause for concern among moviegoers. The streaming giant is known for making harsh, numbers-driven decisions, often canceling well-received TV shows based purely on performance metrics. IfNarniadoesn’t succeed during its Thanksgiving IMAX release or fails to boost streaming numbers for its Christmas premiere, hybrid theatrical-streaming releases could take a backseat, and studios like Amazon Prime,Apple TV+, and Disney+ would likely follow suit.
Netflix
Netflix is one of the most popular and widely viewed streaming services in the world. Beginning with its mail order DVD service, Netflix has since grown into an entertainment juggernaut, with original shows and movies including Squid Game, Stranger Things, The Irishman, and The Killer.
