We have a release window for one of the most anticipated fantasy films of 2026 thanks to Netflix’s slate!
2026 has a score of major fantasy and sci-fi films coming, but few are as anticipated as Narnia. C.S. Lewis’ The Chronicles of Narnia have been a cornerstone of the fantasy genre for decades and inspired a few adaptations, but this is going to be a big one.
Courtesy of Tudum, Netflix’s newly released 2026 calendar reveals Narnia is set to debut in December following a theatrical release in November.
For those who haven’t read them, The Chronicles of Narnia franchise began in 1950, spanning seven books revolving around children from our world entering the fantasy land of Narnia. Guided by the noble lion Aslan, they’re on adventures to save this world.
The epic has been loved by generations for its wonderful writing and religious and fantasy themes balanced together well. They’ve inspired numerous works since and no surprise they’ve been adapted a few times.
This will be a different take, coming from writer/director/actress Greta Gerwig. It’s her follow-up to Barbie, which became a billion-dollar smash hit and earned several Oscar nominations. While Gerwig may seem an offbeat choice for the material, she is set to put her own unique stamp on it.
Why this window works for Narnia
Obviously, this isn’t the first adaptation of the Chronicles. There had been a 1979 animated film and a BBC series on the first books. The biggest adaptation, though, came in 2005 as Disney and Walden Media began a series of films with The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe, followed by 2008’s Prince Caspian, before the series ended with the disappointing The Voyage of the Dawn Treader in 2010.
Gerwig’s adaptation is different, as rather than remaking The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe, she’s instead beginning with The Magician’s Nephew. While the fifth book published, Lewis would insist it be later numbered as the first book in the saga as a prequel to the rest. It shows the origins of Narnia, how it came to be, where the evil White Witch came from and more. Thus, starting there only makes sense.
The film boasts a solid cast with Emma Mackey as the White Witch, Daniel Craig, and, in a daring move, Meryl Streep voicing Aslan. That shows Gerwig is making some unique choices, such as a more modern setting for the tale.
A Christmas release would be perfect given how closely the franchise is tied to the season (the first Disney Narnia movie was also released in that time frame). Knowing a November theatrical run is coming, a release timed to the Thanksgiving holiday weekend would give Netflix a start in theaters before the wider audience on streaming.
There’s still a wait for a trailer and more details but fantasy fans are in for a Christmas treat with this new Narnia project!