Netflix and IMAX Move Closer to Finalizing ‘Narnia’ Release Deal
Negotiations between Netflix and IMAX over Greta Gerwig’s The Chronicles of Narnia have gained momentum, with Jonathan Fischer—former Netflix VP and now Imax’s chief content officer—playing a crucial role in bridging the two sides. Bloomberg’s sources indicate that all parties are eager to finalize an agreement, with Netflix still targeting a 2026 release for the film.
Under the current proposal:
- Greta Gerwig’s ‘Narnia’ would debut globally in theaters, including up to 1,800 IMAX screens.
- Following a Christmas 2026 theatrical run, the film would premiere on Netflix.
“Everyone wants to do it,” reports Lucas Shaw of Bloomberg, signaling growing optimism for a deal. For Netflix, this would mark a notable shift, but the company “is still figuring out the best way to explain the move to other filmmakers; it doesn’t want this to be seen as a precedent.”
According to Variety, Jonathan Fischer is a key figure working closely with both Netflix and theater chains to ensure the project finds a middle ground. The length of the theatrical window remains a key issue as theater chains like AMC and Regal are hesitant to promote a film that might stream shortly afterward.
Gerwig, fresh off the box-office success of Barbie, is on track to begin filming in July 2025, giving fans a clearer timeline for when to expect this adaptation.
Wow! That sounds cool. But would it ever be shown in normal cinemas? I don’t think there are any IMAX ones for miles around where I live.
So small update from Thanksgiving to Christmas release. My fingers remain crossed for this to work out!
Also interesting that they are only talking about one film right now, rather than the two-film deal that Greta signed up for…
especially as it specifically mentions doing the IMAX thing as a one-off, so presumably wouldn’t be a given for her second film (or anyone else’s 3 to 7 films)
Tantalising, as ever. I’d love this to get the go-ahead for everyone’s sakes.
Feels like a good move.
This is definitely getting exciting — as I’ve said before, I would LOVE to have the new Narnia film released in cinemas, for the fairly simple reason that I’m not a Netflix subscriber, but I do have an IMAX theatre near me. 😀
This IS exciting, but I’m trying to understand the statement about the company, “doesn’t want this to be seen as a precedent.” What is the precedent they are trying not to set?
I see no need for a remake. The 2005 movie was pure magic and I fear nothing else will come close or worse be terrible and not capture the essence of C.S. Lewis meaning behind the book.
@meldred – Netflix don’t want to set a precedent for other Directors to expect a major Theatrical Release if they sign with the studio.
For Netflix, the primary business is the streaming platform, and their top priority is to drive subscribers towards the platform, and not to put money into the pockets of the cinema chains.
Whether that’s a worthwhile or productive strategy is up for debate, but that’s their current strategy nonetheless.
Personally, I hope this does set a precedent. I appreciate that Greta Gerwig has the ability to demand a theatrical release, but I still feel bad for all the other filmmakers who don’t have the track record yet.