Netflix has announced that it will release Greta Gerwig’s upcoming film, “Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew,” in theaters, marking a notable deviation from its typical streaming-first approach. This decision was articulated by Dan Lin, head of the streaming service’s film division, during an interview with The New York Times.
Lin emphasized that this theatrical release is an exception rather than a shift in Netflix’s overall strategy. He stated, “There is a group of filmmakers who still want theaters. These are filmmakers we have accepted that we simply will not work with.” This statement reflects Netflix’s ongoing focus on producing content primarily for its streaming platform.
Joining Netflix in April 2024, Lin succeeded Scott Stuber, who had previously guided the platform toward blockbuster filmmaking. Lin’s vision includes a more selective approach to film production, aiming to invest less money in fewer projects while prioritizing higher quality. He expressed a desire for Netflix to produce more comedies, romantic comedies, and adaptations of books, citing the recent success of “The People We Meet on Vacation” as an example.
The company’s theatrical strategy has been a contentious issue, particularly during its bid to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery. Before withdrawing from the auction, co-CEO Ted Sarandos noted that Warner Bros. films would adhere to a standard 45-day theatrical window.
Gerwig’s film is set to premiere in 2027, featuring a full theatrical release, a first for Netflix. This film is an adaptation of C.S. Lewis’s sixth book in the Narnia series, focusing on the origins of the fictional world.
In addition to directing, Gerwig is also writing the screenplay for “The Magician’s Nephew,” which stars Carey Mulligan, Daniel Craig, Meryl Streep, and Emma Mackey. The story serves as a prequel to “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” and follows two children, Digory and Polly, who discover the magical realm after receiving a magical ring from their uncle.
“I was a child when I first read ‘The Magician’s Nephew’ and fell in love with the incredibly imaginative yet utterly brilliant idea of a cosmic lion who brings the world of Narnia to life with his song. I never knew I would grow up to make films, but the world created by music is an idea that has always lived in my heart. It is a great honor to be given the opportunity to bring this idea to life,” Gerwig remarked.
Mark Ronson, known for his collaboration with Gerwig on “Barbie,” will compose the film’s music. Netflix acquired the rights to the Narnia series in 2018, announcing plans to develop new films and television shows based on the beloved fantasy world. This acquisition marked the first time all seven books in the series were owned by a single company.
The previous adaptations of the Narnia series—”The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” (2005), “Prince Caspian” (2008), and “The Voyage of the Dawn Treader” (2010)—were produced by 20th Century Fox and Disney.
Netflix's decision to release Greta Gerwig's 'Narnia: The Magician's Nephew' in theaters highlights a unique exception to its streaming-centric strategy. This move reflects ongoing debates within the company regarding theatrical releases and the evolving landscape of film distribution.