Narnia: The Magician's Nephew Delayed as Netflix Plans Theatrical Release

The new "Narnia" movie won't be coming out this year after all! In a major announcement, Netflix has both good and bad news in store for "Narnia" fans. The release of "Narnia: The Magician's Nephew" has been pushed back. At the same time, however, the streaming service also announced a full theatrical release.

Previously, it was only known that the film by "Barbie" director Greta Gerwig would have a limited release in IMAX theaters. However, we'll have to wait a few months longer than originally planned before we can experience the "Narnia" film on the big screen. According to Deadline, the delay is reportedly due to an actor's injury, which slowed down production and made it impossible to meet the initial release date.

Release dates for theaters and Netflix revealed

Instead of Thanksgiving, the theatrical release is now scheduled for February 12, 2027. Sneak previews in IMAX theaters will begin two days earlier, on February 10. A little over a month and a half later, "Narnia: The Magician's Nephew" will be available to stream on Netflix. The film will be released there on April 2, 2027.

Here's what The Magician's Nephew is about

Author C. S. Lewis published the novel on which the upcoming film is based in 1955. "The Magician's Nephew" tells the origin story of the famous world of Narnia. Chronologically, the new film is set before the well-known Disney adaptations "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe", "Prince Caspian," and "The Voyage of the Dawn Treader."

The two children, Digory and Polly, are transported to other dimensions through Digory's uncle's experiments and witness the lion Aslan creating the world of Narnia with his song. On their journey, they also encounter the White Witch. The novel combines adventure with an origin story and lays the foundation for the entire "Narnia" series. However, it is not yet known exactly how closely the film will follow the source material. Regarding the plot, Netflix has only released this statement:

"Academy Award–nominated filmmaker Greta Gerwig brings C. S. Lewis's beloved story The Magician's Nephew to the screen for the first time in a sweeping adventure that invites dreamers of all ages to experience the creation of Narnia."

The Cast of The Magician's Nephew

Most of the cast has now been officially confirmed. The film centers on two newcomers: David McKenna as Digory and Beatrice Campbell as Polly. They're joined by a wealth of acting experience, including longtime "James Bond" actor Daniel Craig and Hollywood legend Meryl Streep. Craig is rumored to play Digory's uncle, while Meryl Streep is in talks to voice Aslan.

The White Witch will be portrayed by "Sex Education" star Emma Mackey. In the Disney films, she was portrayed by Academy Award winner Tilda Swinton. Also cast for the Netflix adaptation are "Drive" star Carey Mulligan and "Game of Thrones" actor Ciarán Hinds. The ensemble is rounded out by Kobna Holdbrook-Smith ("The Gorge"), Denise Gough ("Andor"), and Susan Wokoma ("Enola Holmes").

Greta Gerwig and Narnia

Greta Gerwig will not only direct the film but is also responsible for the screenplay. Gerwig spoke about her special connection to Lewis's "Chronicles of Narnia." She explains what particularly appeals to her about the story and the world of Narnia.

"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. 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. It is the honor of a lifetime to be asked to imagine it into being. Because of C. S. Lewis's 'The Chronicles of Narnia', I believed in magic and hidden worlds and adventure. I believed that anywhere could be enchanted and that anyone could be swept up into an epic. That wonder and awe was available to everyone, even ordinary people like me... It transformed me."

So fantasy fans have plenty to look forward to in February at the cinema and in April on Netflix. As soon as the first trailer is released, you'll find it, of course, in the KinoCheck app and on our YouTube channel. Until then, you can also check out our movie preview. There, we've taken a closer look at the new "Narnia" film.