Studios Upset with IMAX for…

Netflix’s Bold Move: Greta Gerwig’s Narnia Gets Exclusive IMAX Run

Netflix just made a daring new move that could reshape film releases. It’s diving into IMAX screenings, offering Greta Gerwig’s upcoming Narnia films on over 1,000 screens for a two-week exclusive run. The films will premiere on Thanksgiving 2026. Afterward, the films head to Netflix’s streaming platform. But, as with any bold strategy, tension bubbles beneath the surface.

IMAX: Caught Between Worlds

Rich Gelfond, IMAX’s CEO, has been at the negotiation helm. He balanced Netflix, Gerwig, and theater chains’ interests. However, IMAX’s long-time collaborator, Disney, is displeased. Disney, planning its own animated release for Thanksgiving, views Netflix’s move as direct competition. Regal and Cinemark, two cinema giants, echo this sentiment. They’re threatening to snub Narnia on their IMAX screens.

Despite the drama, Gelfond hints at a “nuclear option" to ensure theaters screen Narnia. This mysterious leverage remains unclear. However, whispers suggest a deal with AMC Theaters, boasting the most IMAX screens in the U.S.

A Clash of Strategies

Netflix has been here before. In 2022, it dipped its toes into theatrical waters with Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery. While the film had a limited release, Netflix shied away from a full embrace. This caution contrasts sharp strategies from Apple and Amazon, which have pursued expansive movie releases.

Gerwig’s Star Power

Greta Gerwig’s record with films like Lady Bird and Barbie adds weight to this initiative. Her success has enabled this groundbreaking deal, marking a shift in traditional movie releases. Yet, the final chapter of this saga is unwritten. It will depend on Narnia’s IMAX performance. If audiences flock, theaters may reconsider.

The Road Ahead

In the ever-evolving world of cinema, this could redefine how streaming platforms release content. Should Narnia achieve theatrical success, Netflix might set a new precedent in the film industry. It could also challenge traditional theaters to adapt to new media landscapes. How the story unfolds remains to be seen, but all eyes are on Thanksgiving 2026.

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