Greta Gerwig’s Narnia film will stand up to ...

Greta Gerwig’s follow-up to Barbie, an adaptation of considered one of C.S Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia books, will likely be completely viewable in theaters for 4 weeks earlier than it hits Netflix on Christmas, in keeping with a new report from Puck. Netflix is traditionally anti-theater, nevertheless it looks like it will probably set that apart for the suitable filmmaker.

Theaters can have a four-week unique window on the movie globally — longer than the week Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery acquired — however it would solely be accessible to look at on IMAX screens to begin. IMAX is guaranteeing the movie will likely be proven within the format for 2 weeks, in keeping with Puck, and is keen so as to add one other week if there’s demand. After that, the movie might come to non-IMAX theaters, too.

Netflix, whereas owning a few theaters itself, is philosophically-opposed to theatrical exclusivity. It will put Netflix films in theaters for the period of time required to qualify for awards season, however in any other case avoids them just like the plague. That may be good for subscribers who’ve turn out to be accustomed to watching the whole lot at residence, however most filmmakers need their movies to be seen on the massive display screen. For instance, Netflix reportedly misplaced the possibility to distribute Saltburn director Emerald Fennel’s subsequent movie, an adaptation of Wuthering Heights, as a result of it refused to offer the movie time in theaters, according to The New York Times.

Rumors circulated that IMAX, Gerwig, and Netflix were discussing a deal in October 2024, and it appears the director acquired her approach. It is unusual to need to battle tooth and nail for what could possibly be a blockbuster film to be seen by a paying viewers. There’s loads of proof that placing movies in theaters makes cash, nevertheless it’s a lesson that even firm’s like Disney have needed to relearn after the streaming increase. Moana 2 began as a Disney+ filler earlier than it was tweaked and was a theatrical launch that made over $200 million in December 2024.

It is inconceivable to say if this resolution indicators a longterm change at Netflix, however future filmmakers working with the corporate now have attention-grabbing precedent to level to for their very own theatrical offers.