Netflix to Release Narnia Movie in Theaters in 2027 Before Streaming

Netflix announced that it will give Greta Gerwig's upcoming Narnia movie a theatrical release, breaking with its usual streaming-only approach. Titled "Narnia: The Magic of the Unicorn," the film is based on C. S. Lewis's work and will premiere in cinemas in February 2027, with IMAX previews scheduled for the 10th and 12th. The wide release will follow on February 12, and the movie will be available on Netflix starting April 2.

Gerwig expressed her excitement about the decision, highlighting her collaboration with Netflix and IMAX. She shared that her childhood love for "The Magician’s Nephew" inspired her to bring this universe to life on the big screen. The cast includes Emma Mackey, Carey Mulligan, Daniel Craig, and Meryl Streep, among others.

While Netflix has traditionally avoided theatrical releases, recent examples like "Wake Up Dead Man" and "KPop Demon Hunters" show a willingness to experiment. However, it remains uncertain whether this will become a common practice for future projects, as the platform continues to prioritize exclusive streaming content.

Gerwig reflected on her personal connection to Narnia, recalling how reading Lewis’s stories as a child fostered her belief in magic, adventure, and hidden worlds. She considers it an honor to help realize this universe, aiming to share its wonder with new audiences.

Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos reaffirmed that the company's strategy remains focused on offering exclusive first-run movies on its platform. The move to theaters indicates an interest in providing a more traditional cinematic experience for fans, even as the industry balances streaming and theatrical releases.

As more details and a trailer are awaited, this decision sparks curiosity about how Netflix will incorporate theatrical experiences into its future plans and what other projects might follow this path.