Greta Gerwig’s sequel to barbiean adaptation of one of CS Lewis’ books The Chronicles of Narnia, will be seen exclusively in theaters for four weeks before releasing on Netflix at Christmas, according to a new report from Puck. Netflix is historically anti-theater, but it looks like it can leave that to the right filmmaker.
Cinemas will have an exclusive four-week window on the film worldwide – longer than a week Glass onion: a mystery at daggers drawn got – but it will only be available on IMAX screens to start. IMAX guarantees that the film will be shown in this format for two weeks, depending on Puckand is willing to add an extra week if there is demand. After that, the film could also be released in non-IMAX theaters.
Netflix, while own a few cinemas himselfis philosophically opposed to theatrical exclusivity. This will put Netflix films in theaters for the time needed to qualify for awards season, but will otherwise avoid them like the plague. This might be good for subscribers who have gotten into the habit of watching everything at home, but most filmmakers want their films to be seen on the big screen. For example, Netflix would have lost the opportunity to distribute Salt burn director Emerald Fennel’s next film, an adaptation of Wuthering Heightsbecause he refused to give the film time in theaters, according to The New York Times.
Rumors were circulating that IMAX, Gerwig and Netflix were discussing a deal in October 2024, and it seems that the director succeeded. It’s strange to have to fight tooth and nail to get what could be a blockbuster film seen by a paying audience. There’s plenty of evidence that putting movies in theaters makes money, but it’s a lesson that even companies like Disney had to relearn after the streaming boom. Moana 2 started out as a Disney+ filler before being tweaked and turned into a theatrical release that earned over $200 million in December 2024.
It’s impossible to say whether this move marks a long-term change at Netflix, but future filmmakers working with the company now have an interesting precedent to point to for their own theatrical deals.
