Netflix is finally launching proper theatrical releases, beginning with the upcoming “Narnia” film.

      Grinvalds/123RF / Netflix

      Netflix has historically not been a supporter of the multiplex. Throughout much of its time as a film studio, the streaming platform has viewed theaters as a necessary but temporary stop—a brief, reluctant pause before its content arrives where it was always intended to be: on your couch. However, this perspective is beginning to shift, and the company is making this change in the most prominent way possible.

      On Friday, the streamer announced that Greta Gerwig’s Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew will have a genuine wide theatrical release on February 12, 2026, with a 45-day exclusivity period before it becomes available on the platform on April 2. For a company that has traditionally seen theatrical releases mainly as a means for awards recognition rather than a distribution strategy, this marks a significant step forward.

      Gerwig’s Narnia is the ideal film to make this move

      There’s a clear reason why Netflix chose this particular film to challenge the norm. The Magician’s Nephew — the origin story of the Narnia universe, based on C.S. Lewis’ 1955 novel — possesses a multigenerational, cross-cultural appeal that merits a big-screen presentation. After her success with the cultural hit Barbie, Gerwig is arguably today’s most bankable director, and the Narnia intellectual property boasts decades of loyal readership. If Netflix were to fully support a film for a complete theatrical run based solely on its quality rather than for Oscar considerations, this is it.

      Theater owners are excited — and rightly so

      The exhibition industry has spent years watching streaming services gradually diminish their influence, so the excitement is quite understandable. Cinema United president Michael O’Leary referred to it as “welcome news,” while AMC’s Adam Aron expressed the chain’s complete support. This enthusiasm is not merely for show — these businesses have desperately needed a streaming giant to take them seriously as a genuine distribution partner rather than merely a checkbox to tick off.

      Narnia

      Netflix’s stance has been evolving for some time. The company released a theatrical sing-along version of K-pop Demon Hunters last year, and CEO Ted Sarandos has publicly pledged to respect the traditional theatrical release window for Warner Bros. Discovery titles amidst their pursuit of the studio. The announcement regarding Narnia feels like a significant recognition that some films are simply too substantial to premiere on a 55-inch TV.

      Shimul is a contributor at Digital Trends, with over five years of experience in the tech field.

      This Emmy-nominated sci-fi series is one of 3 underrated Prime Video shows to watch this weekend (May 2-3)

      These three Prime Video originals haven’t gained traction, and that's exactly why they are worth watching.

      These three shows share a common trait. They are all exceptional, unjustly ignored, and none received the audience they warranted. One follows a damaged spy navigating trauma through folk music. Another features a woman recovering from a car accident, torn between feeling gifted or spiraling. And one revolves around a small Ohio town situated above a machine that quietly alters everything around it. Prime Video has created something quietly outstanding with each of these shows, seemingly forgetting to promote them, but they remain worthwhile options.

      Read more

      Academy just said it out loud: AI can’t win an Oscar for acting and writing

      Sorry AI, no Oscars for you (yet)

      The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has officially clarified the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in relation to Oscar eligibility, stating that AI cannot be awarded for acting or writing roles. The updated guidelines included in the 99th Academy Awards rulebook reinforce the notion that human contributions are crucial for recognition in significant creative categories. Human Performance and Authorship Take Priority

      Read more

      This indie movie with a 99% RT score is one of the 3 underrated Hulu movies to watch this weekend (May 2-3)

      Your Hulu watchlist for this weekend revolves around themes of grief, obsession, and pivotal decisions that alter everything.

      This weekend’s movie suggestion straddles the line between the serene and the unbearable. A man dealing with grief digs through ancient soil in search of a door that shouldn't exist. Two brothers make a single poor choice that leads to everything unraveling. Additionally, a man who struggles to discuss his grief finds himself performing it on stage instead. Three distinctly different films explore the same theme – what occurs when the thing you’re striving for pulls you into a place from which you can’t return.

      Read more