Netflix Announces Theatrical Release of 'Narnia' for This Date
Netflix breaks ground with a two-month theatrical window for Greta Gerwig’s ‘Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew,’ starring Meryl Streep and Daniel Craig.
- Publish date: since 2 hour Reading time: two min read
In a historic shift for its distribution strategy, Netflix has announced it will release its highly anticipated fantasy epic, "Narnia: The Magician's Nephew," in theaters globally nearly two months before it becomes available on its streaming platform. This marks the first time the content giant has implemented such an extended exclusive theatrical window for a major production.
Read More: Kuwait Forecasts Eid Al Adha 2026 Date
According to a company statement, the film will debut on the big screen on February 12, with its streaming premiere scheduled for April 2. This decision comes after the platform initially planned an IMAX release in November, just one month prior to its streaming launch.
The move signals a significant evolution in Netflix's business model, which has traditionally relied on continuous at-home viewing. While the streamer has previously experimented with theatrical releases, this two-month gap is unprecedented for the company. The announcement follows industry discussions regarding Netflix's potential acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, where CEO Ted Sarandos expressed willingness to honor the traditional 45-day theatrical window favored by legacy studios.
Earlier this year, after withdrawing from a bidding war with Paramount, Sarandos held a "constructive" meeting with theater owners, though no concrete deals were immediately finalized. The success of last year's "K-Pop Demon Hunters," which secured two Oscars after a successful limited theatrical run two months post-streaming premiere, likely influenced this strategic pivot.
"Narnia: The Magician's Nephew" is an adaptation of C.S. Lewis's 1955 novel, the prequel to the beloved "Chronicles of Narnia" series. The film is helmed by acclaimed director Greta Gerwig, known for her box-office smashes "Barbie" and "Little Women." Gerwig praised the new scheduling, stating, "Working with Netflix to bring this film to life has been extraordinary and IMAX continues to be an incredible partner. I cannot wait for people to see the film in theaters on February 12 and on Netflix on April 2."
The film boasts a star-studded cast, led by young talents David McKenna ("Lord of the Flies") and Beatrice Campbell. They are joined by an impressive ensemble of veteran actors, including Emma Mackey, Carey Mulligan, Daniel Craig, and Meryl Streep.
The theatrical release is expected to draw significant attention from both cinephiles and fans of the fantasy genre, testing whether the streaming giant can successfully bridge the gap between the cinema experience and the convenience of home viewing.