Get ready, because Greta Gerwig’s upcoming Narnia film is coming to the biggest theater near you. Netflix will release her C.S. Lewis adaptation in IMAX theaters on Thanksgiving Day 2026 for a two-week exclusive run before hitting the streamer on Christmas Day.
Netflix doesn’t usually make deals like this for its original content, but perhaps Gerwig’s clout post-Barbie has given her negotiation leverage. Gerwig has made it known her desire to see Narnia on the big screen and not just a Netflix streaming exclusive. It’s unclear if they plan to expand the rollout to more non-IMAX theaters. The last time Netflix attempted something like this over Thanksgiving was with Rian Johnson’s Glass Onion: A Knives Out Sequel. IMAX and Netflix teamed up previously on 2016’s Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: Sword of Destiny, which I bet you forgot about. I sure did.
Gerwig and Netflix partnered up on two adaptations of C.S. Lewis’ Narnia fantasy books in 2020, after the streamer announced plans for new movies and shows in 2018. The films are a follow-up to Gerwig’s blockbuster smash, Barbie, which earned $1.4B worldwide. She has also earned critical acclaim and a Best Director Oscar nomination for Lady Bird, while also adapting Little Women to strong reviews. [Deadline]