After the tremendous success of Barbie, it comes as no surprise that Greta Gerwig‘s upcoming adaptation of The Chronicles of Narnia has generated considerable excitement. Supported by Netflix, Gerwig’s vision for this beloved fantasy series has captivated audiences, eager to see how she will bring the world of Narnia to life. The adaptation is set to enjoy a two-week IMAX release starting on Thanksgiving 2026, followed by its streaming debut on Netflix. Gerwig is not only directing this initial film but is also attached to a second one, indicating a bold venture into this fantastical realm.
C.S. Lewis’ The Chronicles of Narnia is a series of seven books that have enchanted readers across generations since their publication. The IMAX CEO, Rich Gelfond, has hinted at Netflix’s extensive plans for this franchise in an interview with Deadline. He suggested that the streaming giant intends to adapt the entire Narnia series into films, extending beyond the two movies contracted with Gerwig. Gelfond stated, “This was a really great movie [for us] because I think there are like eight movies planned… what IMAX does best is launch franchises and events, and this is the kind of movie that is very conducive to an IMAX release.” These comments, while not explicitly confirming Netflix’s long-term strategy, imply that Gerwig’s involvement could lead to more adaptations in the future.
The Chronicles of Narnia includes titles such as The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Prince Caspian, and The Last Battle, among others. While there are only seven books in the original collection, Netflix’s ambitious strategy might even see an eighth film produced, potentially telling an original story. Recently, actor Jason Isaacs hinted that Gerwig’s adaptation could focus on The Magician’s Nephew, a speculation that has piqued interest among fans eager to see how this classic tale will be interpreted.
Despite the lack of production details and casting announcements at this stage, the collaboration between Netflix and IMAX reflects a strong belief in the potential of this franchise. Gelfond shared that crafting a deal of this magnitude is complicated, suggesting that careful planning and timing are essential for future projects. “I’ve talked to Netflix about this, and I think in general they are as excited as we are to do it,” Gelfond explained. “But we are not in a rush to do another one tomorrow. The right factors have to come into place for everyone.” This underscores the importance of strategic moves as Netflix aims to build a lasting cinematic universe.
The excitement surrounding Greta Gerwig’s adaptation of C.S. Lewis’ Narnia series points to a promising future for these beloved stories. Set to hit IMAX theaters on Thanksgiving 2026 and follow up with a Netflix release on Christmas 2026, the project is rapidly becoming a focal point for fans and cinephiles alike. As more announcements are made, the anticipation for Gerwig’s innovative storytelling continues to grow, potentially marking the beginning of a beloved film saga.
