Greta Gerwig’s follow-up to Barbiean adaptation of one of CS Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia books, is exclusively in theaters for four weeks before it hits Netflix at Christmas, according to a new report from Puck. Netflix has historically been anti-theatrical, but it looks like it could be reserved for the right filmmaker.

Cinemas have a four-week exclusive film window around the world – longer than a week Glass Onion: A Knife Mystery got it – but it will only be available to watch on IMAX screens to begin with. IMAX guarantees that the film will be shown in the format for two weeks, according to Puckand ready to add another week if there is a need. After that, the film may also come to non-IMAX theaters.

Netflix, meanwhile owns some theaters himselfis philosophically opposed to theatrical exclusivity. It will keep Netflix movies in theaters for the length of time needed to qualify for awards season, but otherwise it’s inevitable like the plague. That’s fine for subscribers who are used to watching everything at home, but most filmmakers want to see their films on the big screen. For example, Netflix is ​​reportedly missing out on a distribution opportunity Saltburn director Emerald Fennel’s next film, an adaptation of Places called Wuthering Heights in the United Statesbecause it refuses to give the film time in theaters, according to The New York Times.

Rumors circulated that IMAX, Gerwig, and Netflix talks about an agreement in October 2024, and it looks like the director got his way. It’s strange to have to fight tooth and nail for a blockbuster movie to be seen by a paying audience. There’s plenty of evidence that putting films in theaters makes money, but it’s a lesson that even a company like Disney has to relearn after the streaming boom. Moana 2 started out as a Disney+ filler before it was tweaked and turned into a theatrical release that made over $200 million by December 2024.

It’s impossible to say whether this decision signals a long-term change at Netflix, but future filmmakers working with the company now have an interesting precedent to point to for their own theatrical deals.