While the world waits to see if Barbie No. 2 ever becomes a reality, the director and co-writer behind the billion-dollar sensation is quietly wielding power in other film circles as well. We’ve known for a while that Greta Gerwig is helming Netflix’s Chronicles of Narnia reboot, but a new report claims the CS Lewis version will be screened in an IMAX showcase before hitting the streamer. It became clear that it would be done.
According to Pac News, Gerwig’s The Chronicles of Narnia movie will be released in approximately 1,000 IMAX screens worldwide on Thanksgiving 2026, and will not be released on Netflix until Christmas. IMAX screening is guaranteed, with the option of adding a third film if there is sufficient audience interest. . It’s also “possible” that “The Chronicles of Narnia” could be shown in theaters other than IMAX before its streaming debut. Additionally, “Netflix has committed to promoting IMAX releases like typical theatrical films and recognizing The Chronicles of Narnia as a ‘Netflix/IMAX’ title from the beginning.”
According to Pack, the deal comes despite Netflix’s well-known dislike of releasing movies theatrically (unless the screening is said to boost award nominations) and co-CEO Ted. Reports say Sarandos realized the importance of “appeasing” Oscar-nominated Gerwig, which led to the project being made possible. , and other non-Barbie movies include Little Women and Lady Bird. She is also a co-writer on Disney’s upcoming live-action film Snow White.
The media outlet said the two-week release on 1,000 IMAX screens outpaced a similarly high-profile Netflix production released in 2022, including Rian Johnson’s The Glass Onion: Knives Out Mystery. He points out that the film will be released over a wide range and for a long time, and wonders if a more big-name director will be hired. It will likely follow Gerwig’s lead and push Netflix into a similar deal. (We have to guess that fans won’t mind a similar release strategy for Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein, which is expected to arrive on the streamer at some point this year.)
Are you excited to see Gerwig’s The Chronicles of Narnia on the big screen in 2026, or will you wait a few more weeks until it’s available to stream on Netflix?
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