After a long period of silence, Netflix has finally unveiled a major update on Greta Gerwig’s highly anticipated adaptation of C.S. Lewis’ iconic The Chronicles of Narnia.
The streaming giant announced that the film will not only debut on its platform but will also receive a theatrical release in IMAX, marking a significant shift in its distribution strategy.
As anticipation continues to build, here’s everything we know so far about Greta Gerwig’s The Chronicles of Narnia reboot.
Release Date and Theatrical Strategy
Christmas will arrive early in 2026 as the first film in The Chronicles of Narnia reboot is set to debut in IMAX theaters on Thanksgiving Day, November 26, 2026.
It will then stream on Netflix starting Christmas Day, December 25, 2026, offering subscribers a special holiday treat.
This marks a significant shift from Netflix’s usual focus on streaming-first releases. The film will have a two-week exclusive IMAX run across 1,000 theaters worldwide, with the potential to extend to four weeks based on audience demand, according to Vulture.
However, this doesn’t signal a broader change in Netflix’s approach to theatrical releases. Co-CEO Ted Sarandos clarified that there is “no change at all to our theatrical strategy.”
“Our core strategy is to give our members exclusive first-round movies on Netflix. The Narnia Imax release is a release tactic. We routinely release movies and theaters a couple of weeks before to qualify for awards, to meet festival requirements and to prime the publicity pump a bit. In the case of Narnia, it’s a two-week special event; I think it’s very differentiated from other runs because I doubt anyone has a screen as big as an Imax screen at home,” Sarandos said Tuesday during the company’s call to discuss fourth-quarter earnings via Deadline.
Greta Gerwig’s Vision for The Chronicles of Narnia Reboot
Known for her critically acclaimed films Lady Bird, Little Women, and the 2023 box-office hit Barbie, Gerwig is set to bring her unique storytelling style to the world of Narnia.
In an interview with Time magazine, Gerwig expressed both excitement and reverence for C.S. Lewis’ iconic work, describing it as “magical” and deeply influential in her own life.
She aims to balance Narnia’s enchanting folklore with fresh cinematic elements that resonate with modern audiences.
Her vision includes capturing the paradoxical charm of Narnia—a world where fauns coexist with Father Christmas—while embracing its dreamlike quality.
Gerwig’s adaptation is expected to honor Lewis’ original themes while offering a fresh perspective on the classic children’s stories
What to Expect from Greta Gerwig’s The Chronicles of Narnia Reboot
While specific details about The Chronicles of Narnia reboot remain under wraps, it’s widely expected that the first film will adapt The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.
This movie will introduce Lucy, Edmund, Susan, and Peter Pevensie as they discover the magical world of Narnia through a wardrobe and embark on a thrilling adventure to defeat the White Witch with the help of Aslan.
The reboot aims to captivate both longtime fans and new viewers by staying true to C.S. Lewis’ timeless story while incorporating modern cinematic techniques.
With Gerwig at the helm, audiences can anticipate a compelling blend of heartfelt storytelling, rich character development, and breathtaking visuals.