Netflix's decision to prioritize streaming over theatrical releases is raising concerns for Greta Gerwig's highly anticipated take on Gerwig signed on to write and direct at least two of the latest adaptations of C.S. Lewis' popular fantasy series, which follows the Pevensie siblings as they explore the magical kingdom of Narnia and confront themes of good versus evil.

According to Matthew Belloni's newsletter, What I'm Hearing, Gerwig, who is known for the beautiful and visually immersive aspects of her films like Barbie and Little Women, would prefer a theatrical release to fully capture the scope and beauty of C.S. Lewis' beloved Chronicles of Narnia universe. However, Netflix has shown no signs of veering from their streaming-first strategy, something they've encountered with other prior filmmakers, including Rian Johnson with the Knives Out movies. Belloni's report does note that the discussions between Gerwig and Netflix have thus far been amicable about her concerns, even though "she's clearly bummed".

What This Means For The New Narnia Adaption

It Could Affect The Viewing Experience & Success Of The Film

Without a theatrical release, Gerwig's Chronicles of Narnia runs the risk of not only losing the immersive experience that fantasy films typically thrive on in cinemas, but also missing out on box office earnings, which play a significant role in determining a franchise's viability and long-term potential. This is particularly important given that Netflix is known for measuring success based on viewership data rather than the financial returns, a model that might not be the best approach for a massive franchise like Narnia.

As demonstrated by Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery, Netflix has previously dabbled in limited releases, although that film is the exception rather than the rule. For Gerwig, however, the absence of a big-screen release could potentially limit her vision, especially when looking at her previous film, Barbie, which became a cultural phenomenon and the highest-grossing film of 2023 with $1.446 billion. It is still unclear if Netflix will reconsider a theatrical release for Narnia, but the platform's focus on streaming is already raising questions about how the project will be received.

Meanwhile, industry insiders speculate about the financial ramifications, because if Gerwig's Narnia films don't generate enough buzz through streaming alone, it could hinder Netflix's plans to develop future installments of the series. There have been no concrete plans for the future, but given there are seven books in Lewis' novel series, it seems likely the streamer will seek to adapt them all, though this will hinge on the costs of producing them.

Our Take On Gerwig's Narnia Concerns

A Streaming-Only Release Hopefully Won't Hinder The Franchise's Future

Despite Netflix offering accessibility and convenience, some are concerned that the entire wonder of Narnia will not translate as effectively on smaller screens. Additionally, streaming at home might also affect how the movie will capture the public's attention, given that many people will be distracted by their phones, or other aspects that would otherwise not be a concerning factor in a theatrical release.

Ultimately, the streaming-first approach highlights the tension between traditional film and digital distribution, marking a shift in how major fantasy adaptations are released. For now, viewers can only hope that The Chronicles of Narnia remake will receive the attention and scope it deserves, whether that means a brief theatrical release or an exceptional streaming rollout intended to fully capture Lewis' epic fantasy world.

Source: What I'm Hearing