Netflix is reportedly in talks to release Greta Gerwig’s upcoming new film adaptation of C.S. Lewis’ “The Chronicles of Narnia” novel series on IMAX screens globally according to a new report at Bloomberg.
If it goes forward, it would would be one of the streaming platform’s biggest business deals with cinemas to date. The “Barbie” director has stated before how she wants to release “Narnia” in cinemas. In recent weeks, there have been rumors she may even walk away from the project over this issue.
Netflix has steadfastly resisted cinema releases for its films to date aside from small awards-qualifying runs. Part of that is due to Netflix and major theater chains never being able to agree on a business model as cinemas want Netflix to withhold films from its streaming services for multiple weeks or months.
With IMAX though, which now has close to 2,000 screens in 90 countries, Gerwig and the project’s producers have seen an opportunity. The outlet says the giant screen exhibitor has “signaled to Gerwig that it will add the film to its slate of upcoming movies if Netflix agrees to such a deal.”
The trade says discussions are at an early stage and no decision has been finalized, and said screenings would be conditional on the approval of cinema chains like AMC and Regal which house IMAX screens.
Netflix is expected to spend at least $175 million or more on the film which is the first in a planned number of films that is tipped to adapt the entire seven-novel series. Previously. the first three published novels were turned into films and the first four were done for television.