A wave of criticism is being directed at Narnia, which is underway on Netflix. It comes in the wake of the streamer’s decision to only release the film for two weeks in IMAX theaters.
Tim Richards, CEO of Europe’s largest privately owned theater operator, Vue Entertainment, expressed this frustration in a letter, saying: “As a result, ‘Narnia’ will not be seen by audiences on 99% of cinema screens worldwide. It will only play on IMAX screens owned by operators willing to break established theatrical release windows.”
He continued: Those who choose to respect the established theatrical release window have been threatened by IMAX with a ‘nuclear option’ if they don’t play it. the result? IMAX and Netflix may enjoy a short-term gain, but the industry and audiences worldwide will lose.”
“Millions of families who would love to see ‘Narnia’ in a theater will be needlessly deprived of the opportunity…IMAX has not only agreed to this restrictive model, but appears to be encouraging other filmmakers to follow suit. In doing so, it risks undermining the very ecosystem that makes theatrical success possible,” concludes Tom.
Meanwhile Narnia will arrive on the Thanksgiving 2026 holiday.
