Greta Gerwig’s Narnia film will stand up to 4 weeks in theaters

Greta Gerwig’s follow-up to Barbie, an adaptation of one in every of C.S Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia books, might be solely viewable in theaters for 4 weeks earlier than it hits Netflix on Christmas, in response to a new report from Puck. Netflix is traditionally anti-theater, however it looks like it could possibly set that apart for the suitable filmmaker.

Theaters may have a four-week unique window on the movie globally — longer than the week Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery obtained — however it should solely be obtainable to observe on IMAX screens to start out. IMAX is guaranteeing the movie might be proven within the format for 2 weeks, in response to Puck, and is keen so as to add one other week if there’s demand. After that, the movie may come to non-IMAX theaters, too.

Netflix, whereas owning a few theaters itself, is philosophically-opposed to theatrical exclusivity. It’s going to put Netflix films in theaters for the period of time required to qualify for awards season, however in any other case avoids them just like the plague. That may be good for subscribers who’ve turn out to be accustomed to watching all the pieces at residence, however most filmmakers need their movies to be seen on the large display screen. For instance, Netflix reportedly misplaced the prospect to distribute Saltburn director Emerald Fennel’s subsequent movie, an adaptation of Wuthering Heights, as a result of it refused to present the movie time in theaters, according to The New York Times.

Rumors circulated that IMAX, Gerwig, and Netflix were discussing a deal in October 2024, and it appears the director obtained her means. It is unusual to need to combat tooth and nail for what may very well be a blockbuster film to be seen by a paying viewers. There’s loads of proof that placing movies in theaters makes cash, however it’s a lesson that even firm’s like Disney have needed to relearn after the streaming increase. Moana 2 began as a Disney+ filler earlier than it was tweaked and changed into a theatrical launch that made over $200 million in December 2024.

It is inconceivable to say if this choice alerts a longterm change at Netflix, however future filmmakers working with the corporate now have fascinating precedent to level to for their very own theatrical offers.