Netflix has officially pushed the release of Greta Gerwig’s “Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew” from its original Thanksgiving slot to February 12, 2027. This delay signals a strategic shift for the streaming giant, which is aiming for a significantly larger theatrical footprint for its first major project from the “Barbie” director.
A Strategic Shift Toward Theaters
While Netflix previously intended to offer a limited two-week Imax run followed by a Christmas streaming debut, the new schedule marks a departure from its traditional model. The film is now positioned as a “global eventized release,” beginning with exclusive Imax previews on February 10, 2027, before expanding to theaters worldwide on February 12. Fans will have to wait until April 2 to watch the movie on the Netflix platform.
According to Netflix, the transition to a full theatrical window is designed to maximize the film’s cultural impact. Imax confirmed that the scheduling change ensures the production receives the necessary time to flourish in cinemas, effectively silencing potential friction with major theater chains.
The Evolving Relationship Between Netflix and Cinemas
The push for a wider theatrical release comes as Netflix seeks to repair its relationship with cinema exhibitors. AMC Theatres has publicly praised the success of its “Stranger Things” finale screenings, signaling that more collaborations are on the horizon. This pivot is crucial, as the streamer’s previous refusal to grant exclusive theatrical windows reportedly alienated high-profile creators in the past.
High Stakes for the Narnia Franchise
Featuring a star-studded cast including Daniel Craig and Meryl Streep, “The Magician’s Nephew” serves as a prequel to C.S. Lewis’ iconic fantasy series, detailing the creation of the Narnian world. Greta Gerwig, who spearheaded the adaptation, expressed her long-standing connection to the source material, noting her childhood fascination with the “gorgeously improbable but completely brilliant concept of a cosmic lion singing the world of Narnia to life.”
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