Netflix has announced that Sony Pictures will serve as the international theatrical distributor for Greta Gerwig’s upcoming film Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew. The partnership marks a significant expansion of the streaming giant’s theatrical ambitions, with the film set for a worldwide release on February 12, 2027. This represents Netflix’s biggest theatrical release in the company’s history.
The announcement, made on Tuesday, confirms that Gerwig’s adaptation of the C.S. Lewis classic will reach audiences far beyond North American borders through Sony’s established global distribution network. The two companies already maintain an existing Pay-1 licensing deal, making this theatrical partnership a natural extension of their business relationship.
Main Developments in the Distribution Deal
Sony Pictures taking on international distribution duties positions the Greta Gerwig Narnia movie for substantial global reach when it opens in theaters next year. For domestic audiences in the United States and Canada, the film will play at major theater chains including AMC, Regal, Cinemark, Cineplex, Marcus and Harkins.
The theatrical release strategy underwent changes from initial plans. The film was originally slated for a Thanksgiving release but was pushed to 2027. Additionally, the release expanded from an IMAX-only theatrical run to a full wide release across multiple formats and theater chains.
Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew is written and directed by Greta Gerwig, who achieved massive success with her 2023 film Barbie. This new project adapts C.S. Lewis’s The Magician’s Nephew for the first time for the big screen, bringing a previously unfilmed entry in the beloved fantasy series to theatrical audiences worldwide.
What We Know So Far
The production features an ensemble cast that combines established stars with emerging talent. Daniel Craig, Meryl Streep, Emma Mackey, and Carey Mulligan all appear in the film, alongside Kobna Holdbrook-Smith. Newcomers David McKenna and Beatrice Campbell also join the cast, though specific character roles have not been detailed.
Gerwig expressed enthusiasm about the release strategy in a statement about the project. “Working with Netflix to bring this film to life has been extraordinary and IMAX continues to be an incredible partner. I cannot wait for people to see the film in theaters on February 12 and on Netflix on April 2,” Gerwig said.
The filmmaker also shared her personal connection to the source material, explaining how the story shaped her imagination from childhood. “I was a child when I first read ‘The Magician’s Nephew,’ and I fell in love with the gorgeously improbable but completely brilliant concept of a cosmic lion singing the world of Narnia to life. I didn’t know that I would grow up to make films, but a universe built out of music is an idea that always lived in my heart. It is the honor of a lifetime to be asked to imagine it into being,” Gerwig stated.
She continued describing how the Chronicles of Narnia influenced her worldview: “Because of C. S. Lewis’s ‘The Chronicles of Narnia,’ I believed in magic and hidden worlds and adventure. I believed that anywhere could be enchanted and that anyone could be swept up into an epic. That wonder and awe was available to everyone, even ordinary people like me. It transformed me.”
What Happens Next
IMAX sneak previews for Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew will begin on February 10, 2027, giving audiences an early opportunity to experience the film two days before the official worldwide theatrical and IMAX release on February 12, 2027.
Following the theatrical window, Netflix will debut the film on its streaming platform on April 2, 2027. This nearly two-month gap between theatrical opening and streaming availability represents Netflix’s commitment to giving the film a substantial theatrical run before bringing it to subscribers.
The distribution agreement with Sony ensures that international audiences will have access to the film in theaters through one of the industry’s most experienced global distributors. Sony’s existing relationship with Netflix through their Pay-1 licensing deal provided the foundation for this expanded partnership.
Important Details About the Release
The confirmed release timeline includes three key dates for audiences to remember. IMAX sneak previews start February 10, 2027. The worldwide theatrical release across standard theaters and IMAX locations follows on February 12, 2027. Netflix streaming becomes available on April 2, 2027.
For moviegoers in the United States, the domestic theatrical release covers major chains across the country. AMC, Regal, Cinemark, Cineplex, Marcus and Harkins theaters will all screen the film, ensuring wide accessibility for audiences who prefer the theatrical experience.
The significance of this release for Netflix cannot be understated. The company has confirmed this represents its biggest theatrical release ever, signaling a major investment in traditional movie distribution alongside its streaming-first business model. The decision to expand from IMAX-only to a full wide release further demonstrates the confidence in the film’s theatrical potential.
The Star-Studded Cast
The casting for Gerwig’s Narnia adaptation brings together multiple generations of acclaimed performers. Meryl Streep, one of the most decorated actors in film history, joins the project alongside Daniel Craig, known for his work in both franchise blockbusters and dramatic roles.
Emma Mackey, who previously worked with Gerwig on Barbie, returns to collaborate with the director. Carey Mulligan, an Oscar-nominated performer, adds to the ensemble. Kobna Holdbrook-Smith rounds out the named cast of established actors.
The inclusion of newcomers David McKenna and Beatrice Campbell brings fresh faces to the production, though their specific roles in the story remain unannounced. This combination of veteran talent and new performers follows a common approach for major studio fantasy productions.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Greta Gerwig’s Narnia movie come out in theaters?
Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew opens in theaters worldwide and in IMAX on February 12, 2027. IMAX sneak previews begin on February 10, 2027.
When will Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew be available on Netflix?
The film will debut on Netflix streaming on April 2, 2027, following its theatrical run that begins in February.
Who is in the cast of the new Narnia movie?
The cast includes Daniel Craig, Meryl Streep, Emma Mackey, Carey Mulligan, and Kobna Holdbrook-Smith, along with newcomers David McKenna and Beatrice Campbell.
Which theaters will show Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew in the United States?
The domestic theatrical release includes AMC, Regal, Cinemark, Cineplex, Marcus and Harkins theater chains.
Is this the first adaptation of The Magician’s Nephew?
Yes, this film adapts C.S. Lewis’s The Magician’s Nephew for the first time for the big screen.
The partnership between Sony Pictures and Netflix for the international distribution of Greta Gerwig’s Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew represents a major step in the streaming company’s theatrical strategy. With confirmed release dates now set for early 2027 and a cast featuring both established stars and emerging talent, audiences can anticipate the first big-screen adaptation of this particular entry in C.S. Lewis’s beloved fantasy series.
