Title: Greta Gerwig's Upcoming Big-Screen Adaptation of Netflix's "Narnia" Film
In the midst of anticipation surrounding the possible release of Barbie 2, director and co-writer Greta Gerwig is making waves in the cinematic sphere. Gerwig, known for her success with the billion-dollar sensation Barbie and other critically acclaimed films like Little Women and Lady Bird, is spearheading Netflix's adaptation of The Chronicles of Narnia.
According to recent reports, Gerwig's Narnia movie is set to make a grand entrance, with an exclusive IMAX premiere on Thanksgiving Day 2026. The film will appear on approximately 1,000 IMAX screens worldwide, marking a wider and longer release than other notable Netflix productions like Rian Johnson's Glass Onion: Knives Out Mystery.
The IMAX release will be followed by a streaming debut on Christmas Day 2026, with a two-week exclusive run in IMAX theaters guaranteed. Netflix has also committed to marketing the film like a typical theatrical tentpole, emphasizing its IMAX release and branding it as a "Netflix/IMAX" title. There's even a possibility that the film might play in some non-IMAX theaters ahead of its streaming debut.
This unprecedented deal was reportedly negotiated due to Netflix's co-CEO Ted Sarandos recognizing the importance of "placating" Gerwig. The film will be partially shot using IMAX cameras, with locations secured in 90 countries, pending approvals from China and France's theatrical windowing rules.
This move by Netflix could pave the way for other high-profile directors to seek similar deals, potentially offering fans an extended theater experience before streaming releases. Are you eager to witness Gerwig's Narnia in the grandeur of IMAX theaters in 2026 or are you content to wait for its Netflix streaming debut?
If you're hungry for more entertainment news, stay tuned for updates on upcoming Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, the future of the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the new season of Doctor Who.
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- IMAX Release Date: The film will debut on Thanksgiving Day 2026.
- Theatrical Exclusivity: The movie will have a two-week exclusive run in IMAX theaters before its streaming release.
- Streaming Release Date: After the IMAX run, the film will be available on Netflix on Christmas Day 2026.
- Marketing Strategy: The film will be marketed as a "Netflix/IMAX" release, similar to how "Red One" was marketed by Amazon MGM Studios as both a theatrical and streaming film.
- Production and Filming: The movie will be filmed partially with IMAX cameras, with locations secured in 90 countries, pending approvals from China and France's theatrical windowing rules.
- Theatrical Windowing: Netflix has agreed to hold the streaming release until Christmas, granting four weeks of theatrical exclusivity, although IMAX has only guaranteed its screens for the first two weeks, with a possibility of adding a third week based on demand.
io9 reported that Gerwig's adaptation of The Chronicles of Narnia is set to revolutionize movie watching, with a broad IMAX technology release in 2026. After its successful IMAX run, the technology-infused movie will also be available for streaming on popular platform io9 partner, Netflix.
