Netflix is reworking the rollout strategy for the highly anticipated ‘Narnia’ from director Greta Gerwig.
The film, an adaptation of ‘The Magician’s Nephew’ — the sixth entry in C. S. Lewis’ “Chronicles of Narnia” series — was initially set for an IMAX theatrical release over Thanksgiving 2026, followed by a Netflix debut on Christmas Day. That plan has now shifted significantly, with a new theatrical date of February 12, 2027, and a streaming release scheduled for April 2, 2027.
According to Deadline — which often carries water for the trades — the delay stems from an on-set injury involving a cast member, reportedly forcing a six-week production shutdown. As a result, ‘Narnia’ will miss its planned November 2026 release window. Then again, in just the past few weeks, some of those involved with the film had been speaking about that November date as if it were locked in. Who really knows.
On paper, it’s simply a scheduling change. In practice, however, this kind of move is often interpreted in Hollywood as a strategic retreat from Oscars positioning. The Thanksgiving-to-Christmas corridor is prime real estate for awards visibility and eligibility; shifting the film to a post–awards season February release reads, to many, like a quiet abandonment of any serious Oscar push.
That said — and here’s the upside — Netflix now appears fully committed to theatrical. It’s also being confirmed that ‘Narnia’ will receive a wide theatrical release, along with a 54-day window before hitting streaming — an approach that’s virtually unheard of for the platform. Exhibitors must be beaming over this news.
Is Netflix finally recognizing the potential of theatrical releases? The streamer’s co-CEO, Ted Sarandos, once called the theatrical experience “an outmoded idea” and claimed that “Barbenheimer” would “have had the same cultural impact” if it had gone straight to Netflix. Now, Sarandos is committing to a 54-day window — longer than the average major studio release — for one of the most expensive films Netflix has ever produced. Is ‘Cliff Booth’ next?
‘Narnia’ will feature heavy VFX, and lavish post-war 1950s locations — the latter is notably different from the Victorian London setting of C.S. Lewis’ novel. Instead, it appears Gerwig has shifted the story to the mid-20th century. Mark Ronson and Andrew Wyatt composed the score. Seamus McGarvey (“The Avengers,” “Atonement”) is the DP.
In terms of casting, several high-profile actors are involved, including Meryl Streep, Daniel Craig, Emma Mackey, Ciarán Hinds, and Carey Mulligan, while also praising younger performers David McKenna and Beatrice Campbell.