Netflix Delays Greta Gerwig’s Narnia for 2027 Theatrical Run
Netflix has rescheduled the debut of Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew, moving the highly anticipated project from its original Thanksgiving slot to a new release date of February 12, 2027. The film marks Greta Gerwig’s first directorial effort since the global success of Barbie.
Expanding the Theatrical Strategy
The adjustment signals a significant shift in how the streaming giant approaches its relationship with traditional cinema chains. While Netflix previously planned a limited two-week Imax run followed by a Christmas streaming premiere, the new strategy aims for a broader impact.
Under the revised schedule, the film will launch with exclusive Imax previews on February 10, 2027, preceding a wide global theatrical rollout on February 12. The movie is slated to arrive on the Netflix platform on April 2, allowing for a more substantial period of exclusivity in cinemas.
Imax confirmed that the schedule change is designed to provide the production with a “full theatrical window.” This move appears calculated to appease major theater chains, which have historically been hesitant to support Netflix titles that prioritize day-and-date streaming releases.
Collaborations and Industry Context
The decision to lean into a more traditional theatrical model follows a period of mixed results for the streamer. While AMC Theatres recently reported successful collaborations with Netflix, such as the Stranger Things finale screenings, the company has faced friction elsewhere. Resistance to exclusive theatrical windows was reportedly a major point of contention in past negotiations with high-profile creators.
Regarding the project itself, The Magician’s Nephew serves as an origin story within C. S. Lewis’ fantasy universe. The production features a high-profile cast, including Meryl Streep and Daniel Craig.
Reflecting on the adaptation, Gerwig shared in a statement that her connection to the material is long-standing. The filmmaker noted that she was captivated as a child by the “gorgeously improbable but completely brilliant concept of a cosmic lion singing the world of Narnia to life.”
As Imax and other exhibitors prepare for the 2027 window, the industry will be watching to see if this “global eventized release” signals a permanent pivot in Netflix’s distribution philosophy.