Narnia Hits Netflix: Ambitious New Plan Surprises Fans!

Netflix is all in when it comes to its passions. Having spent a six-figure sum in 2018 to acquire the rights to “The Chronicles of Narnia” by C.S. Lewis, the streaming giant is set on adapting all the books. As confirmed by the CEO of IMAX, whose comments were reported by Deadline:

“It was a great choice for us because I think there are eight films planned… and what Imax does best is launch franchises and events. This type of movie is perfect for an Imax release.”

It’s worth noting that Netflix and IMAX recently agreed to show the first Narnia film in cinemas for a two-week window. The exclusive streaming release was a point of contention between the platform and director Greta Gerwig, who was selected to write this new adaptation.

If indeed eight Narnia films are planned, it’s interesting since the literary saga only has seven books. This suggests that one of the books, likely the last, will be split into two films. This indicates that Netflix has everything planned out.

But the question that arises is: can they keep up the pace? If the films are successful, they will need to quickly produce subsequent movies so that the young actors playing the Pevensie siblings don’t age too much. And when it comes to keeping schedules, the streaming giant isn’t necessarily the best at this game.

Netflix Opens Its Wallet

Just as its competitor HBO has planned at least seven seasons for its Harry Potter series, Netflix is looking far ahead, no matter the cost.

For Greta Gerwig’s film, expected to hit the platform by the end of 2026, the budget is already astronomical: we’re talking about $200 million, making it the most expensive film ever produced by Netflix.

Despite this, the project is progressing slowly. The director has been working on it for nearly two years, and little is known about her adaptation: which book will it cover? Who will star in it?

According to recent rumors, Gerwig plans to blend several novels and add a “modern and rock’n’roll” touch. While the filmmaker has never lacked flair, we’re talking about a family-friendly and fantastical work that deals with coming of age—a theme she has already masterfully handled in Barbie.

We are eagerly awaiting the first glimpses of the first Narnia film by Netflix. One thing is certain, it will need to set a high standard and garner a significant number of views to pave the way for potential sequels.