Netflix gives Greta Gerwig's 'Narnia' film full theatrical release

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MANILA, Philippines — Netflix has greenlit a full theatrical run for Greta Gerwig's adaptation of "The Magician's Nephew" before it finds a home on the streaming platform.

"The Magician's Nephew" is the first chronological book, but the sixth published, in "The Chronicles of Narnia" series by C.S. Lewis.

The book "shows how all the comings and goings between our own world and the land of Narnia first began," leading to the events of the most popular title, "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe."

Back in 2018, Netflix and eOne Films signed a multi-year deal with the C.S. Lewis Company to adapt the series into several new projects, with Gerwig tapped in 2023 after the success of "Barbie" to helm two films.

After confirming that Gerwig would first adapt "The Magician's Nephew," the movie was initially slated for a two-week IMAX run this November before hitting Netflix on Christmas Day.

However, Netflix later announced that the film will instead open in cinemas globally beginning February 12, 2027 (likely February 10 in the Philippines), have a standard 45-day theatrical window, before arriving on Netflix on April 2.

The move marks a shift for Netflix, which typically opts for limited theatrical runs, often to meet eligibility requirements for awards.

The update also comes on the 71st anniversary of the book's publication.

Newcomers David McKenna and Beatrice Campbell will take on the lead roles of Digory Kirke and Polly Plummer.

Emma Mackey will play Jadis, later known as the White Witch, while Carey Mulligan will play Digory's mother, Mabel, and Daniel Craig will portray Digory's uncle, Andrew.

Ciarán Hinds, Meryl Streep, Denise Gough, Kobna Holdbrook-Smith and Susan Wokoma have been cast in undisclosed roles.

Gerwig said in a statement that it has been extraordinary working with Netflix to bring the project to life, adding that IMAX remains an important partner and that she is excited for audiences to see the film.

Gerwig on Narnia adaptation

She recalled reading the original book as a child and falling "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," she said. "It is the honor of a lifetime to be asked to imagine it into being."

Gerwig credited the "Narnia" books for shaping her belief in magic, 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," she said.

Gerwig is also producing the film with Mark Gordon, Amy Pascal and Vincent Sieber-Smith.

Patricia Whitcher is an executive producer alongside Douglas Gresham, Lewis' stepson, and Melvin Adams for the C.S. Lewis Estate, while Christine Crais co-produces.

"It's incredibly moving to see how deeply Greta has embraced Lewis' world, and infused 'The Magician’s Nephew' with joy, heart, and genuine love for the story," the Lewis estate said. "We're so excited for audiences everywhere to experience her vision — and to share the magic of Narnia with a whole new generation."

Mark Ronson and Andrew Wyatt, who worked with Gerwig on "Barbie," will score the film, with music supervision by George Drakoulias.

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