Netflix Plans First Wide Theatrical Release With ‘Narnia’
The New York Times • • entertainment
Key Points:
- Netflix announced it will release Greta Gerwig’s film "Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew" in theaters on February 12 and on its streaming service on April 2, marking the first time it will offer a movie in wide theatrical release for over a month before streaming.
- This move deviates from Netflix’s usual policy of releasing movies exclusively on its streaming platform, responding to demands from filmmakers and theater owners for longer theatrical windows to support box office sales.
- Despite this exception, Netflix maintains it has not changed its overall theatrical strategy, though recent actions suggest a growing openness to wide theatrical releases and bespoke deals with theaters.
- Greta Gerwig, director of the film, praised the theatrical release plan and highlighted ongoing collaboration with IMAX, where the film will also be shown.
- The decision addresses longstanding tensions between Netflix’s subscription-first model and the film industry's desire for exclusive theatrical runs, which theater owners see as vital for their business survival.
