It’s no secret that big studios have been throwing hefty sums to attract top talent and prime projects. But sometimes, it’s not just about the paycheck—it’s about making the right choice for your vision. That’s exactly what Margot Robbie did when she turned down Netflix’s $150 million offer for Wuthering Heights in favor of a deal with Warner Bros.
It is a move that might’ve shocked many, especially in an era where streaming giants like Netflix have become the dominant force in film distribution. But for Robbie, it isn’t about the money; it is about supporting the kind of cinematic experience, she believes in.
And in doing so, she made life a lot easier for her friend Greta Gerwig. The latter now finds herself with more leverage in her own Netflix deal for the Chronicles of Narnia films. What once seemed like a typical streaming contract may now include a full theatrical release, thanks to Robbie’s decision.
Margot Robbie’s Bold Move Opens Doors for Greta Gerwig’s Narnia?
Well, sometimes the best way to get ahead is to take a step back. Margot Robbie turned down Netflix’s mammoth $150 million offer for Wuthering Heights, opting instead for a more traditional route with Warner Bros.’ $80 million & a wide theatrical release (see Variety).
Wuthering Heights, the eagerly anticipated film directed by Emerald Fennell, quickly became a hot commodity. With Robbie and Jacob Elordi attached to star, Netflix, always on the hunt for the next big hit, made an eye-popping offer. But the Barbie actress chose Warner Bros., who pitched a big theatrical release and a full-fledged marketing campaign.
To the dismay of Netflix, this was a decision that nobody saw coming. As one agent put it, the streaming giant was “shocked” because “obviously they had outbid [every other studio] for so long”.
Enter Greta Gerwig, whose next project — an adaptation of The Chronicles of Narnia for Netflix — has been one of the most anticipated films in the pipeline. In 2020, she signed a deal with Netflix to write and direct two films based on C.S. Lewis’ beloved book series. However, since then, the cinematic landscape has shifted dramatically. Gerwig’s Barbie became a worldwide sensation, raking in over $1.4 billion at the box office.
Now, with Robbie’s bold choice in Wuthering Heights, Gerwig finds herself in a stronger negotiating position. Sources say that the latter is currently in talks with Netflix to ensure her Narnia films get the wide theatrical release they deserve. As one insider put it, the Lady Bird director, 41, is looking to get Narnia into Imax theaters across the globe. However, details are still being ironed out.
But amid all the speculation and negotiations, one thing is clear: by walking away from the streaming giant’s offer, Robbie has opened a door for others, like Gerwig, to step in and reclaim the theatrical experience. And that’s more than enough to make Narnia fans jump for joy!
Greta Gerwig Pushes for Narnia Theatrical Release Before Netflix Debut?
As per THR, Greta Gerwig has approached Imax with an audacious plan to bring her Narnia adaptation to theaters first, with a potential limited release in about 2,000 cinemas worldwide in 2026. Only then, after the big screen event, would the film head to Netflix for its streaming debut.
But here’s the catch: this window between theatrical release and streaming has been shrinking by the year. Post-pandemic, it’s common for films to make their way to home screens in 30 days or less, and for movies on platforms like Netflix, it’s often even faster. The idea of keeping Narnia in theaters for a longer stretch—especially over the busy holiday season—raises red flags.
Will this be long enough to satisfy the major theater chains that operate Imax screens? And will Netflix be willing to make concessions on their beloved ‘direct-to-streaming’ model? That’s the big question hanging in the air.
The fact that Imax is even entertaining talks with Netflix has ruffled some feathers. Major studios are watching closely, not thrilled at the idea of Netflix bypassing the traditional release window and claiming a coveted spot in the holiday lineup.
At the center of this heated debate is Imax’s CEO, Rich Gelfond. While he didn’t directly comment on the discussions with Netflix, he hinted at Imax’s ongoing search for new ways to “eventizing content”. With big-budget blockbusters increasingly embracing Imax’s screens—think Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer—it’s clear that Gelfond is open to innovation.
