Netflix announced that filmmaker Greta Gerwig’s Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew will receive a wide theatrical release early next year. In a first for the streaming service, the movie will play exclusively in theaters for more than 45 days.
This decision marks a departure from Netflix's longstanding policy of releasing movies exclusively on its streaming platform. The move comes after theater owners and filmmakers have long pushed the company to adopt a Hollywood-style cinema release strategy.
By providing a full theatrical run, Netflix is attempting to address Hollywood's concerns regarding dwindling movie time in theaters. The release of The Magician's Nephew represents a significant step in the company's thawing relationship with movie theaters.