Netflix Might End Up Playing Greta Gerwig's NARNIA Movie in IMAX Theaters

According to recent discussion surrounding Barbie director Greta Gerwig’s upcoming undertaking of the classic Chronicles of Narnia series, these epic film(s) may just be the key to bartering a relationship with Netflix and Imax.

The two companies are indeed in preliminary talks regarding Narnia. The Hollywood Reporter reports that one plan being discussed is to release the event pic over Thanksgiving 2026 before making it available to its subscribers over Christmas.

Whether that would be a long-enough window to satisfy theater circuits that operate Imax auditoriums is the big question, and the potential stumbling block.

Word of Gerwig’s campaign has reopened old wounds and sparked angst among both studios and the country’s top movie theater circuits.

Studios won’t be happy if Imax carves out time during the holiday season for a Netflix film that isn’t getting a traditional window, which has already shrunk dramatically in the post-pandemic era to anywhere from 30 to 65 days (smaller titles can go to the home even earlier).

The conversations originated after Gerwig approached Imax personally. Sources say she ultimately spoke directly with Imax CEO Rich Gelfond, whose large-format screens are revered by filmmakers, including James Cameron and Christopher Nolan.

Oppenheimer, which Nolan shot in large part with Imax-certified cameras, did huge business on Imax screens despite being an adult historical drama.

Imax stock saw a bump Tuesday upon news of the talks between Imax and Netflix, where co-CEO Ted Sarandos has long been unwilling to abide by a traditional theatrical window, much to the frustration of filmmakers, including Martin Scorsese.

Netflix broke its own precedent when giving Scorsese’s The Irishman an exclusive release, but it still wasn’t long enough (Netflix began experimenting a year earlier with Roma).

During an earnings call Wednesday, Gelfond wouldn’t comment on the status of conversations with Netflix, but didn’t refute reports. “In fact, as you know, directors, film studios are all leaning into the Imax experience,” the CEO said. He added, “we are always innovating and looking for new approaches to eventizing content.”

It’s unclear as to how far Imax would be willing to go in terms of alienating its exhibition partners were it to join forces with Netflix.

Gerwig’s deal to direct Narnia was announced in early July 2023, weeks before Barbie opened at the box office and turned into a cultural phenomenon, grossing north of $1.44 billion. Her clout, needless to say, increased exponentially, and she appears eager to use that clout to bring Narnia to theaters.

I think it would be a smart move for Imax to bet on a movie with as wide appeal and epic a scope as The Chronicles of Narnia, especially during the holiday season. I look forward to seeing what Gerwig does with the story.