Netflix to give Greta Gerwig’s upcoming film a 2-week IMAX theatrical release

Netflix and Greta Gerwig have finalized an agreement with IMAX for the theatrical release of “Narnia,” with a two-week window rather than the previously speculated four weeks. This decision marks a significant departure for the streaming platform, as reported by Variety.

The IMAX run for “Narnia” is set to begin on Thanksgiving Day 2026 and will run for two weeks, followed by an additional two weeks in other theaters before its Netflix premiere on Christmas the same year. This rollout is Netflix’s largest to date, surpassing the one-week run in 600 theaters for “Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery” in 2022.

This move could signal a shift in Netflix’s approach to theatrical releases, which has historically been more restrictive compared to other streaming platforms like Amazon and Apple. It is speculated that Gerwig’s influence and the success of her previous film, “Barbie,” may have played a role in Netflix’s decision this time around.

Despite being a couple of years away, “Narnia” is one of Netflix’s most highly anticipated projects. The adaptation of C.S. Lewis’ book series was first announced in 2018, with Gerwig joining the project in 2020 and confirming her directorial role in 2022. Following the success of “Barbie,” Netflix is banking on Gerwig to make “Narnia” a hit and potentially launch a major franchise for the platform.

While the two-week theatrical window for “Narnia” is expected to bring in solid numbers, it may not reach the same level of success as “Barbie.” Nevertheless, Netflix’s decision to accommodate Gerwig’s preferences suggests a potential shift in their theatrical release strategy. Only time will tell if this marks a broader change for the streaming giant.



Source link