Greta Gerwig
fans jumped for joy when Netflix granted the new Narnia adaptation a limited IMAX release, before the film arrives on the streamer in 2026. But, according to Netflix’s CEO, Ted Sarandos, subscribers shouldn’t get used to it. After Gerwig’s new take on C.S. Lewis’ beloved series of fantasy books was announced, the director went toe-to-toe with Netflix, asking for the movie to receive a theatrical release. The streamer permitted it, with the new Narnia adaptation releasing in 1,000 IMAX theaters before hitting Netflix. However, other Netflix original movies won’t be so lucky.
During Netflix’s quarterly company call (via Deadline), Ted Sarandos revealed that Narnia‘s IMAX release will be the exception, not the new rule, for the company’s general release strategy for new movies. “Our core strategy is to give our members exclusive first round movies on Netflix,” Sarandos said. While fans are happy that they will get to see Greta Gerwig’s Narnia in IMAX theaters, Sarandos revealed the ulterior motive behind the decision. He explained:
“The Narnia IMAX release is a release tactic. We routinely release movies and theaters a couple of weeks before to qualify for awards, to meet festival requirements, and to prime the publicity pump a bit.”
It’s not all a gambit for awards season, though. Sarandos also admitted that he is glad audiences will get to witness Narnia on the biggest screens currently available, before the movie releases on Netflix. “In the case of Narnia, it’s a two-week special event, I think it’s very differentiated from other runs,” he continued. “Because I doubt anyone has a screen as big as an IMAX screen at home.”
Greta Gerwig’s ‘Narnia’ Releases in 2026
Greta Gerwig’s new take on Narnia has had several promising updates over the past few weeks. As a belated Christmas present, Netflix recently revealed when Narnia will actually release in IMAX theaters and on streaming. Narnia will release in the aforementioned 1,000 IMAX theaters on November 26, 2026, before arriving on Netflix that Christmas.
As well as the new release date, fans have also been treated to the first details about the movie. Narnia‘s producer, Amy Pascal, recently revealed that Greta Gerwig is embracing the “Rock ‘n’ Roll” of C.S. Lewis’ fantasy world — maybe Dave Grohl will play Aslan. “[It’s] a very new take on Narnia,” said the producer. “It’s all about rock and roll.” As well as confusing fans with the musical analogy, Amy Pascal also revealed that Narnia will begin shooting this July.
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Gerwig’s new movie isn’t the first big screen adaptation of the Chronicles of Narnia. The most successful adaptation was released in 2005. Directed by Andrew Adamson, The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe was a decent hit with critics, sitting at 75% on Rotten Tomatoes, and was a major box office success, grossing $745 million worldwide. Two sequels were released after The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. In 2008, Prince Caspian opened to modest reviews and a decent box office showing ($419 million). Then, in 2010, The Voyage of the Dawntreader achieved similar box office success, but was unanimously voted as the weakest movie in the franchise by fans.
- Release Date
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December 9, 2005
- Runtime
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143 Minutes
