Is Netflix finally releasing a movie traditionally in theaters? It appears that it just might be. This afternoon, Netflix revealed that Greta Gerwig’s “Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew” will release in IMAX and in theaters worldwide on February 12, 2027, and on Netflix on April 2, 2027. Sneak previews only in IMAX will begin on February 10, 2027. The film was previously dated for November 26, 2026.
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For those paying attention at home, this is theoretically a 49-day window in theaters. Traditionally, Netflix has only released its films in theaters for three weeks and has not submitted box office data. The latter was always going to be an issue for “Narnia” after the streamer set an exclusive deal with IMAX, which reports its grosses around the globe. Netflix has also never over-emphasized the “In Theaters” marketing aspect for its films. That is about ot change. At least for “Narnia.”
Sources tell The Playlist that this will be Netflix’s widest opening to date (it is on President’s Day Weekend) and will be an “in theaters” marketing release. The plan is to report box office returns and to “eventize” the theatrical release. The streamer is still currently sticking to its qualifying runs for awards-qualifying films, but as CEO Ted Sarandos has stated publicly, it will continue to try to find new and exciting ways to eventize its films.
Other streamers have had success with more traditional box office releases for tentpole projects such as Apple Studios’ “F1” ( $634 million worldwide) and Amazon MGM Studios‘ “Project Hail Mary” ($616 million global to date). Gerwig’s last film, “Barbie,” earned $1.44 billion worldwide.
In a statement, Gerwig noted, “Working with Netflix to bring this film to life has been extraordinary and IMAX continues to be an incredible partner. I cannot wait for people to see the film in theaters on February 12 and on Netflix on April 2.”
She added, “I was a child when I first read ‘The Magician’s Nephew,’ and I fell in love with the gorgeously improbable but completely brilliant concept of a cosmic lion singing the world of Narnia to life. I didn’t know that I would grow up to make films, but a universe built out of music is an idea that always lived in my heart. It is the honor of a lifetime to be asked to imagine it into being. Because of C. S. Lewis’s ‘The Chronicles of Narnia,’ I believed in magic and hidden worlds and adventure. I believed that anywhere could be enchanted and that anyone could be swept up into an epic. That wonder and awe was available to everyone, even ordinary people like me… It transformed me.”
“Narnia” features an ensemble cast, including David McKenna, Beatrice Campbell, Emma Mackey, Carey Mulligan, Ciarán Hinds, Daniel Craig, Meryl Streep, Kobna Holdbrook-Smith, Denise Gough, and Susan Wokoma.
Additionally, “Narnia’s” move to 2027 takes it out of Oscar consideration for this year. Notable considering below-the-line creatives include Oscar-nominated cinematographer Seamus McGarvey, Oscar-nominated casting directors Nina Gold, BAFTA-nominated production designer James Chinlund, Oscar-winning costume designer Jacqueline Durran, and Oscar-winning composers Andrew Wyatt and Mark Ronson. It was also considered a potential Best Picture nominee, considering Gerwig’s previous three films, “Lady Bird,” “Little Women,” and “Barbie,” were each nominated.
“Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew” opens in theaters and on IMAX nationwide on February 12. It will arrive on Netflix on April 2.
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Editor-at-Large Gregory Ellwood is one of the entertainment industry's most respected journalists and critics. Based in Los Angeles, he's the only current awards expert who previously worked on Oscar campaigns at a major movie studio. Over the years, he has written for the LA Times, Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, and Vox, among others. He also co-founded the entertainment news site HitFix, which spawned a legion of influential Emmy and WGA Award-winning alumni.
