A new report has detailed US theater chains' backlash to Netflix and IMAX's Greta Gerwig's Narnia movie for Netflix is scheduled to be released in theaters on Thanksgiving in 2026, with the director and streamer striking a two-week exclusivity deal with IMAX to play it on their screens. Following its theatrical debut, the movie is planned to be released on the streaming platform in December 2026, just in time for the holidays.

However, according to a report from Puck, US theater chains and other film studios are furious about Netflix and IMAX's Narnia exclusivity deal. From the report, theaters and other film companies are angry the deal was made without other studios' input, given the streaming service is considered competition for theatrical releases. Disney is one particularly angry party, as they have an untitled animated movie scheduled for Thanksgiving 2026 that's now losing out on IMAX screens. Theater chains like Regal and Cinemark are also implying they won't screen Narnia at all, something they're allowed to do.

However, IMAX CEO Rich Gelfond claims to have a "nuclear option" to make theaters play Narnia on IMAX screens. While it's unclear what this is, the report's sources speculate it could relate to a potential deal with AMC Theaters, which owns 182 of the 400 IMAX screens in North America. Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos has stated the movie doesn't represent a change in the streaming service's overall release strategy, drumming up conversations around how their releases impact the film industry as a whole.

When asked about a potential deal between AMC and IMAX, AMC CEO Adam Aron said commenting on it would be "inappropriate."

What The Report Means For IMAX & Netflix's Narnia Deal

Conflict Is Brewing Behind The Scenes

The report also explains how November 2026 will have other high-profile theatrical releases, including an untitled Marvel movie on November 6, and Lionsgate's The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, due for release on November 20. The main conflict stems from IMAX giving screens to a streaming service during the holidays instead of established studios that have been releasing films in theaters for decades. Since Netflix is considered a competitor, with their structure encouraging people to stay at home, studios and theaters feel betrayed by the company's decision to make an exclusive deal with them.

However, this isn't the first time Netflix has released a movie in theaters. In November 2022, the streamer released Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery in theaters for one week, netting $15 million in the process. However, the report says analyst David A. Gross of Franchise Entertainment Research says the mystery movie could have made up to $300 million if released with a full theatrical run. While Gerwig's Narnia adaptation won't be screening for much longer, its lockup of important screens could set a precedent for the streamer when it comes to big future releases.

Our Take On IMAX & Netflix's Narnia Deal Controversy

It Doesn't Sound Like Either Company Will Be Budging

IMAX's deal with Netflix is an unprecedented move, especially with The Chronicles of Narnia movie playing during a holiday screening window. However, despite backlash from studios who prioritize their theatrical release over streaming, it doesn't sound like Gelfond will be budging on changing the deal. Even as Regal and Cinemark refuse screenings, it seems like there will still be plenty of screens across North America making up for their decision. This could be the start of even deeper competition between streaming and theatrical releases too, depending on how well the movie performs.

Gerwig's Narnia movie is the first of at least two installments she'll be making for Netflix.

Source: Puck