After years of searching for a fantasy franchise to call its own, Netflix has finally locked in a game plan for Greta Gerwig's upcoming Narnia reboot. The streamer has confirmed that The Magician's Nephew will debut in theaters on February 12, 2027, with exclusive IMAX sneak previews starting February 10. The film will then arrive on Netflix on April 2, 2027, marking the first time the platform has granted a full 45-day theatrical window to one of its original movies.
This is a major shift for Netflix, which has historically been cautious about giving its films extended runs in cinemas. But Gerwig—who earned an Oscar nomination for Lady Bird and brought Barbie to life—insisted on a proper big-screen rollout. And it seems the streamer was willing to bend its rules for a director of her caliber.
Gerwig's Personal Connection to Narnia
In a statement, Gerwig opened up about her deep bond with the source material. “I was a child when I first read The Magician's Nephew, and I fell in love with the gorgeously improbable but completely brilliant concept of a cosmic lion singing the world of Narnia to life,” she said. “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 added, “Because of C. S. Lewis’s The Chronicles of Narnia, I believed in magic and hidden worlds and adventure. That wonder and awe was available to everyone, even ordinary people like me… It transformed me.”
What Is 'The Magician's Nephew' About?
Netflix's official logline describes the film as “a sweeping adventure that invites dreamers of all ages to experience the creation of Narnia.” The story, which serves as a prequel to The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, follows young Digory Kirke and his friend Polly as they stumble into a series of magical worlds—and inadvertently help bring Narnia into existence.
The cast is stacked with talent: Emma Mackey (Sex Education) plays Jadis, the White Witch; Meryl Streep voices Aslan; Carey Mulligan (Maestro) takes on the role of Mabel Kirke; David McKenna portrays Digory Kirke; and Daniel Craig (Knives Out) rounds out the ensemble alongside Kobna Holdbrook-Smith (Wonka) and Beatrice Campbell.
The C.S. Lewis Company praised Gerwig's vision, saying, “It’s incredibly moving to see how deeply Greta Gerwig has embraced C. S. Lewis’s world, and infused Narnia: The Magician's Nephew with joy, heart, and genuine love for the story.”
A New Era for Netflix Originals
This theatrical-first strategy could signal a broader change for Netflix, which has been experimenting with limited releases for prestige projects. The move also positions The Magician's Nephew as a potential awards contender, given Gerwig's track record and the star-studded cast. For fans of the franchise, the wait is almost over—and the promise of seeing Narnia on the biggest screen possible is a dream come true.
Mark your calendars: IMAX previews begin February 10, 2027, the wide theatrical release follows on February 12, and the film lands on Netflix April 2, 2027.
