Netflix to give Greta Gerwig’s Narnia a wide theatrical release for 45 days before streaming, marking a major shift
Screengrab of Cast member Greta Gerwig poses on the red carpet for the screening of the movie “Jay Kelly”/Reuters
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.
Written and directed by Gerwig, the film is the first adaptation of CS Lewis’ 1955 book, which explores the origins of Narnia. It will be released in theatres on Feb12, and made available on the streaming service on April 2.
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.
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.”
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.
“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.
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.”