In a first for the streamer, Netflix is to give a wide theatrical release to Greta Gerwig’s highly anticipated Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew movie.
Netflix will make the fantasy feature available to cinema exhibitors for a 49-day exclusive theatrical window before it debuts on the streamer.
It has set the release date for Gerwig’s adaptation of the sixth book in the C.S. Lewis fantasy series for 12 February 2027, before it lands on Netflix on 2 April 2027. Previews of the film will begin on 10 February 2027, only in Imax.
Netflix had previously planned to launch the film on 26 November 2026 with an exclusive two-week Imax run in 90 countries across 1,000 auditoriums ahead of the movie dropping on the service.
Netflix has previously released only a handful of its films into theatres for a limited run, including Rian Johnson’s Knives Out films. Traditionally, the company launches its movies directly on its platform – a move that has long been a source of contention with cinema owners. One of the key criticisms that faced Netflix during its pursuit of Warner Bros Discovery this year was its reluctance to release films in theatres and to give them a long theatrical window.
The Magician’s Nephew is the sixth book in Lewis’ series, but it is the first chronologically and focuses on the creation of Narnia. The movie stars Emma Mackey, Cary Mulligan, Meryl Streep, and Daniel Craig. The young cast includes David McKenna and Beatrice Campbell.
Netflix said in a statement: “From the outset, we got involved with Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew to support Greta Gerwig and see her vision realised to the fullest in Imax. The film’s delay until 2027 creates an opportunity to give Narnia an expanded, wide release with a full theatrical window; we support Greta and Netflix in pursuing that opportunity and are pleased Imax could help facilitate.”
Netflix recently raised its prices for customers in the United States, with all subscription tiers rising by at least $1. Discover more here.
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