Netflix introduced Friday that director Greta Gerwig’s The Chronicles of Narnia will probably be given a large theatrical launch subsequent yr, making it the primary streaming service to play it solely for greater than 45 days.
The movie, written and directed by Gerwig, is the primary movie adaptation of C.S. Lewis’s 1955 e book, which explores the origins of The Chronicles of Narnia. Will probably be launched in theaters on February twelfth and accessible on streaming companies on April 2nd.
This marks a departure for Netflix, which generally releases films solely on its streaming service. There are some exceptions, corresponding to films that may win an Academy Award. To be eligible for an Oscar, a movie should premiere in theaters.
Netflix mentioned it selected to launch The Chronicles of Narnia broadly in theaters as a result of it has broad attraction throughout generations and geographies.
Theater homeowners praised Netflix’s choice.
“That is welcome information,” Cinema United President Michael O’Leary mentioned in an announcement, including, “Greta Gerwig’s The Chronicles of Narnia is a film that audiences wish to see on the massive display, and now they may have the chance to take action.”
Netflix has develop into extra keen to embrace the theatrical expertise, releasing a sing-along model of the favored animated movie KPop Demon Hunters in theaters final yr.
In pursuit of Warner Bros. Discovery, Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos additionally mentioned the corporate would proceed to launch Warner Bros. films in theaters and honor the standard 45-day exclusivity interval.
The Chronicles of Narnia was initially scheduled to be launched in IMAX theaters for 2 weeks after Thanksgiving. Gerwig praised Netflix for selecting to make the movie extra extensively accessible.
“I am unable to watch for individuals to see this film in theaters on February twelfth and on Netflix on April 2nd,” Gerwig mentioned.
Adam Aron, chairman and CEO of AMC Leisure, mentioned the nation’s largest theater chain is “throwing every little thing now we have” to assist Netflix.
“We’re utterly of their nook,” Aaron wrote on social media platform X. “We’re and can proceed to be absolutely dedicated.”
