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, shall be completely viewable in theaters for 4 weeks earlier than it hits Netflix on Christmas, based on a new report from Puck. Netflix is traditionally anti-theater, nevertheless it looks like it may set that apart for the fitting filmmaker.

Theaters may have a four-week unique window on the movie globally — longer than the week Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery obtained — however it can solely be obtainable to look at on IMAX screens to start out. IMAX is guaranteeing the movie shall be proven within the format for 2 weeks, based on 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’s going to 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 is likely to be good for subscribers who’ve change into accustomed to watching all the pieces at house, 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 provide 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 obtained her means. It is unusual to need to battle tooth and nail for what might 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 changed into a theatrical launch that made over $200 million in December 2024.

It is inconceivable to say if this choice 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.