Netflix is moving the release date of its anticipated Narnia movie from director Greta Gerwig, with the film now getting a wide theatrical release, a first for the streamer.
Gerwig’s adaptation of the sixth book in the C.S. Lewis fantasy series, The Magician’s Nephew, was set to be released in Imax theaters this Thanksgiving before heading to the streamer on Christmas Day. The movie will now be getting a release on Feb. 12, 2027 and then will hit on Netflix April 2, 2027. Sneak previews of the film will begin on Feb. 10, 2027, only in Imax.
With its prior release date, the studio was planning an exclusive two-week Imax global run in 90 countries across 1,000 auditoriums ahead of the movie dropping on the service. With its new release date comes the news that Netflix is planning a wide theatrical release for the film, which will see Narnia stay in theaters for 49 days before hitting the service.
Netflix has released a handful of its films into theaters for a limited run, including the Knives Out films from Rian Johnson and other awards hopefuls. Narnia will be the biggest theatrical debut release for the streamer to date. (Netflix did have a wide release for the sing-along version of KPop Demon Hunters this past summer, but only for a few days, and long after the movie had debuted on the streaming service.)
“The film’s delay until 2027 creates an opportunity to give Narnia an expanded, wide release with a full theatrical window; we support Greta and Netflix in pursuing that opportunity and are pleased Imax could help facilitate,” said Imax in a statement.
On its new date, Narnia will go up against The Nightingale starring Elle and Dakota Fanning. Other early Feb 2027 releases include the Glen Powell comedy from Judd Apatow, The Comeback Kid.
While The Magician’s Nephew is the sixth book in Lewis’ series, it is the first chronologically, and focuses on the creation of Narnia. The movie stars Emma Mackey, Cary Mulligan, Meryl Streep and Daniel Craig. The young cast includes David McKenna and Beatrice Campbell.
Mark Gordon, Amy Pascal and Vincent Sieber are among the producers of the adaptation, along with Gerwig. Patricia Whitcher, Douglas Gresham and Melvin Adams are executive producers.
