Netflix has officially pushed back the release of Greta Gerwig’s highly anticipated adaptation, The Magician’s Nephew. Originally slated for a Thanksgiving debut, the film will now hit theaters globally on February 12, 2027, marking a significant shift in the streaming giant’s theatrical strategy.
A Strategic Pivot Toward Theatrical Windows
This delay represents more than just a scheduling adjustment; it signals a bolder commitment by Netflix to the traditional cinema experience. Following the success of previous collaborations, the company is positioning The Magician’s Nephew as a “global eventized release.”
According to Netflix, the film will debut with exclusive Imax previews on February 10, 2027, before its wide theatrical rollout two days later. Subscribers will have to wait until April 2, 2027, to stream the movie on the platform.
Strengthening Ties with Major Theater Chains
The decision to grant the film a full theatrical window addresses long-standing friction between streamers and major exhibitors. Imax confirmed that the extended timeline allows for a robust theatrical run, a move likely to appease theater chains that have previously bristled at Netflix’s limited release models.
This cooperation follows the success of AMC Theatres’ screenings for the Stranger Things finale. The industry is closely watching these developments, especially as creators increasingly demand exclusive theatrical windows—a point of contention that recently caused friction with the creators of Stranger Things during their negotiations.
Behind the Lens: Greta Gerwig’s Narnia
The Magician’s Nephew serves as the latest project for writer-director Greta Gerwig following the massive cultural impact of Barbie. The film features an A-list ensemble cast, including Daniel Craig and Meryl Streep.
The story adapts the origin prequel of C.S. Lewis’ iconic fantasy series. Reflecting on the project, Gerwig shared her personal connection to the source material: “I fell in love with the gorgeously improbable but completely brilliant concept of a cosmic lion singing the world of Narnia to life.”