Netflix Revises Release Plan for Greta Gerwig’s The Magician’s Nephew
Netflix has revised the release plan for its upcoming adaptation of C.S. Lewis's The Magician's Nephew, directed by Greta Gerwig. The film is now scheduled for a wide theatrical release beginning February 12, 2027, followed by a streaming debut on Netflix on April 2, 2027.
A 49-day theatrical window will precede the film’s streaming debut on Netflix.
Release Timeline and Strategy
The film was originally scheduled for a limited Imax release in November 2026, followed by a streaming debut in December 2026. The delay was attributed, according to sources, to a six-week production halt caused by a cast member's injury.
Under the new schedule:
- Imax sneak previews will begin on February 10, 2027.
- Wide theatrical release will commence globally on February 12, 2027.
- The film will remain in theaters for 49 days before becoming available on Netflix on April 2, 2027.
This will represent Netflix's second wide theatrical release, following KPop Demon Hunters Singalong in August 2026.
Distribution Partnership
Netflix will handle domestic distribution in North America, with screenings planned at chains including AMC, Regal, Cinemark, Cineplex, Marcus, and Harkins, as well as regional and independent theaters. Sony Pictures Entertainment will manage international distribution. Netflix and Sony Pictures have a prior relationship, including a Pay-1 licensing deal for Sony's feature films.
Film Details
The film is titled Narnia: The Magician's Nephew and is based on the 1955 novel by C.S. Lewis, the sixth book in The Chronicles of Narnia series. It serves as a prequel to The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, focusing on the creation of Narnia and the discovery of the "Wood between the Worlds" by children Diggory and Polly.
Cast:
- David McKenna (as Diggory)
- Beatrice Campbell
- Emma Mackey (as Jadis/the White Witch)
- Carey Mulligan
- Kobna Holdbrook-Smith
- Daniel Craig
- Meryl Streep
Creative Team:
- Director and Writer: Greta Gerwig
- Composer: Mark Ronson
- Producers: Mark Gordon, Amy Pascal, Vincent Sieber-Smith, and Greta Gerwig
- Executive Producers: Patricia Whitcher, Douglas Gresham, and Melvin Adams (for the C.S. Lewis Estate)
- Co-Producer: Christine Crais
Background
Netflix acquired the rights to the entire Chronicles of Narnia book series in 2018. Imax stated that the delay "creates an opportunity to give Narnia an expanded, wide release with a full theatrical window."
Competitive Landscape
On its new release date, Narnia will compete with Sony's period film The Nightingale, starring Elle and Dakota Fanning, and Paramount's untitled K-Pop film directed by Benson Lee, also referred to as The Comeback Kid starring Glen Powell.