Netflix is shaking things up with a move that might surprise cinephiles: a limited IMAX release of Greta Gerwig’s adaptation of “Narnia.” Set to premiere Thanksgiving Day 2026, this two-week exclusive theatrical run is unprecedented for a Netflix original. Typically, the streaming giant keeps its releases confined to members, reserving theatrical outings solely for awards qualifications and publicity purposes. This new move, while limited, signals a potential shift in Netflix’s strategic approach to theatrical releases.
Gerwig, renowned for her directorial prowess, had to fight hard to secure this compromise. Netflix co-CEO mentioned that while their overarching strategy of prioritizing online streaming remains unchanged, Gerwig’s “Narnia” offers a unique opportunity to capture audiences on the big screen. The IMAX experience, according to Netflix, is about offering something truly special that can’t be replicated at home, even with today’s large home theatre systems.
Netflix isn’t new to the idea of theatrical releases, but this experiment marks its longest theatrical engagement to date. Historically, their theatrical windows have been brief, tailored to ensure Oscar eligibility. According to industry insiders, this limited IMAX run serves as a test to gauge audience response and profitability from theatrical engagements. The data from this release may influence Netflix’s future distribution strategies.
Despite the excitement surrounding this decision, it’s unlikely Netflix will adopt a conventional release strategy anytime soon. For Netflix, their primary focus remains providing their subscribers exclusive first access to content. This sets them apart from competitors like Prime Video, which has already tasted box office success with projects like “Red One,” earning $186 million internationally over a nine-week period.
As Netflix treads this new path cautiously, industry observers are keen to see whether this limited release for Gerwig’s “Narnia” could spark broader change. Could this be a nod towards satisfying directors who crave the big screen experience for their projects? Only time will tell if this endeavor becomes a precedent for future releases or remains a standalone event.
Closing Credits
Thanksgiving 2026 will be a moment to watch as Greta Gerwig’s “Narnia” steps into IMAX theaters for its debut. The two-week run challenges Netflix’s traditional release model and could pave the way for future experiments in theatrical exposure. As the release date approaches, audiences and industry insiders alike will be waiting to see if this move becomes a spark for broader change within the streaming world. Keep an eye out for more updates as Netflix continues to navigate the boundaries of content distribution.
