Netflix is ​​making a significant change in its long-held policy of releasing movies only on its own platform. The company announced that it is planning the first wide theatrical release for Greta Gerwig’s Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew.

Director Greta Gerwig’s new film will meet the audience in theaters on February 12, 2026. The production will be added to the Netflix platform on April 2, 2026, after its screening in cinemas.

A New Era with the Cinema Industry

With this decision, Netflix is ​​stepping into the traditional release model by keeping its movies in theaters for more than a month. Although company officials state that this decision does not mean a change in their general strategy, industry representatives are following this move carefully.

Movie theater owners and many producers have long demanded that Netflix keep its movies in theaters longer. This approach, which aims to revitalize box office revenues, is seen as a critical step, especially for major productions that are expected to be successful at the box office.

Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos met with cinema owners at an event held in Las Vegas last month. Sarandos stated that they were open to making special agreements with movie theaters in these negotiations.

Greta Gerwig and IMAX Collaboration

Director Greta Gerwig, who achieved great success with the Barbie movie, stated that she was pleased that the Narnia movie will be shown in cinemas. The film can also be watched in IMAX format from the date of its release.

Since Netflix has operated a subscription-oriented business model until now, it has always offered priority access to its content to its subscribers. This strict attitude had previously caused some directors and productions to move away from the platform.

With the Narnia project, the company is trying to establish a new balance that combines the subscription system and the movie theater experience. Movie theater operators argue that maintaining the gap between the release date and the transition to the digital platform is vital for the future of the industry.

This new strategy of Netflix can serve as an example for other major productions in the future. How do you think this move by Netflix will affect the relationship between digital broadcasting and the world of cinema?