Greta Gerwig’s follow-up to Barbie, an adaptation of one among C.S Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia books, shall be completely viewable in theaters for 4 weeks earlier than it hits Netflix on Christmas, in keeping with a new report from Puck. Netflix is traditionally anti-theater, however it looks like it may well set that apart for the appropriate filmmaker.
Theaters can have a four-week unique window on the movie globally — longer than the week Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery bought — however it can solely be accessible to observe on IMAX screens to start out. IMAX is guaranteeing the movie shall be proven within the format for 2 weeks, in keeping with Puck, and is keen so as to add one other week if there’s demand. After that, the movie may come to non-IMAX theaters, too.
Netflix, whereas owning a few theaters itself, is philosophically-opposed to theatrical exclusivity. It’s going to put Netflix motion pictures in theaters for the period of time required to qualify for awards season, however in any other case avoids them just like the plague. That could be good for subscribers who’ve develop into accustomed to watching every little thing at dwelling, however most filmmakers need their movies to be seen on the large display screen. For instance, Netflix reportedly misplaced the possibility to distribute Saltburn director Emerald Fennel’s subsequent movie, an adaptation of Wuthering Heights, as a result of it refused to offer the movie time in theaters, according to The New York Times.
Rumors circulated that IMAX, Gerwig, and Netflix were discussing a deal in October 2024, and it appears the director bought her manner. It is unusual to should combat tooth and nail for what may very well be a blockbuster film to be seen by a paying viewers. There’s loads of proof that placing movies in theaters makes cash, however it’s a lesson that even firm’s like Disney have needed to relearn after the streaming increase. Moana 2 began as a Disney+ filler earlier than it was tweaked and become a theatrical launch that made over $200 million in December 2024.
It is not possible to say if this determination indicators a longterm change at Netflix, however future filmmakers working with the corporate now have attention-grabbing precedent to level to for their very own theatrical offers.
