Netflix on Friday said it would put filmmaker Greta Gerwig’s “Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew” movie in wide theatrical release next year, where it will play exclusively for more than 45 days — a first for the streaming service. This marks a significant departure from Netflix’s traditional model of releasing movies exclusively on its streaming platform.
Written and directed by Gerwig, the film is the first adaptation of C.S. Lewis’s 1955 book, which explores the origins of Narnia. It will be released in theatres on February 12, 2027, and made available on the streaming service on April 2, 2027.
A Departure from Netflix’s Model
This marks a departure for Netflix, which typically releases movies exclusively on its streaming service. There have been some exceptions, including for movies with the potential to win an Academy Award. Movies must debut in theatres to be eligible for consideration for an Oscar.
Netflix said it opted for a wide theatrical release for “Narnia” because of the series’ broad appeal across generations and geographies. The decision reflects a recognition that certain films — particularly those with franchise potential and family appeal — benefit from the communal experience of cinema.
Theatre Owners Applaud
Theatre owners applauded Netflix’s decision. “This is welcome news,” Cinema United president Michael O’Leary said in a statement, adding, “Greta Gerwig’s ‘Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew’ is a movie audiences will want to see on the big screen. Now they’ll have that opportunity.”
Adam Aron, chairman and CEO of AMC Entertainment, said the nation’s largest theatre chain would “throw everything we have” to support Netflix. “We are in their corner fully,” Aron wrote on the social media platform X. “We are and will be all in.”
Netflix’s Evolving Strategy
Netflix has shown an increasing willingness to embrace the theatrical experience, last year releasing a sing-along version of its popular animated film, “KPop Demon Hunters,” in movie theatres.
During the pursuit of Warner Bros. Discovery, Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos also said the company would continue to release Warner Bros. movies in theatres and honour the traditional 45-day window of exclusivity.
Gerwig’s Enthusiasm
“Narnia” was originally scheduled to be released for two weeks in IMAX theatres, starting on Thanksgiving. Gerwig lauded Netflix for opting to offer the film more widely. “I cannot wait for people to see the film in theatres on Feb. 12 and on Netflix on April 2,” Gerwig said.
Analysis: A Watershed Moment
Netflix’s decision to give “Narnia” a wide theatrical release with a 45-day window is a watershed moment for the streaming industry. For years, traditional theatre chains resisted Netflix’s insistence on day-and-date or short-window releases. The pandemic forced a re-evaluation, but the 45-day window has become an industry standard.
The fact that Netflix chose “Narnia” for this experiment is significant. The franchise has broad family appeal, and Gerwig is coming off the billion-dollar success of “Barbie.” A wide theatrical release maximizes box office potential.
The support from AMC and Cinema United suggests that the relationship between streamers and theatre chains has fundamentally shifted. The “us vs. them” mentality is giving way to a recognition that theatrical and streaming can coexist.
For audiences, the benefit is clear: a film of this scale will be experienced as intended — on the big screen. For Netflix, the benefit is both financial and cultural: a successful theatrical run builds buzz for the streaming release.
The experiment will be watched closely. If “Narnia” succeeds, more Netflix films may follow. If it fails, the 45-day window may remain a rare exception. For now, however, it is a landmark moment.
