AMC Stock Pops Overnight As Netflix Leans Into Theatres for ‘Narnia’ — CEO Hails ‘Massive Development’

• Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew will debut with IMAX previews on Feb. 10, 2027, followed by a global theatrical release on Feb. 12.
• The updated plan replaces an earlier, shorter IMAX-only run, enabling a broader “eventized” global rollout after a delay from Thanksgiving.
• Netflix has been deepening its ties to the theatre industry as the cinema industry sees its strongest post-pandemic box-office recovery in 2026.

Shares of AMC Entertainment (AMC) jumped 3% overnight on Monday as Netflix doubled down on theatres over streaming, giving Narnia a wide global release with a traditional exclusive window.

AMC stock ended 5% lower at $1.45 on Friday. Shares ended lower for the second straight week, sliding nearly 12% in the latest week. 

‘Narnia’ Gets Full Theatrical Push 

The streaming giant said Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew, directed by Greta Gerwig, will debut with exclusive IMAX previews starting Feb 10, 2027, followed by a global theatrical release on Feb. 12. The film will not arrive on Netflix until April 2, creating a 49-day exclusive window in cinemas.

The updated release plan marks a shift from Netflix’s earlier strategy, which had allowed a shorter IMAX-only run ahead of a streaming debut. The delay from its original Thanksgiving timeline allows for a broader, “eventized” global rollout.

Written and directed by Gerwig, the film adapts C.S. Lewis’ 1955 novel, exploring the origins of Narnia, and features a cast including Daniel Craig and Meryl Streep. Netflix said the decision to expand the theatrical release is based on the story’s broad appeal across geographies and generations.

AMC CEO Backs Netflix’s Theatre Push

AMC CEO Adam Aron weighed in on X on Netflix’s decision, stressing on the importance of a traditional theatrical window. “It is a massive development that Netflix has authorized the wide release… with a traditional 49-day exclusive theatrical window,” Aron said.

He added that Narnia will receive advance screenings in IMAX auditoriums, noting AMC operates about 225 such screens. Aron said AMC in the U.S. and its European arm Odeon would “throw everything we have into the mix” to support the release, adding, “We are in their corner fully. We are and will be all in.”

Aron also said the significance of Netflix attempting “a real global release of a major film title” should not be overlooked.

Netflix Deepens Theatre Strategy

Netflix’s move signals a broader evolution in its approach to theatrical distribution. The company has historically prioritized streaming releases, with only limited theatrical runs, often for awards eligibility. A wide global release with a multi-week exclusive window marks one of its most significant departures from that model.

The change comes amid growing ties between Netflix and theater operators. AMC has previously highlighted the success of collaborations tied to Netflix content, including screenings linked to its popular titles, with partnerships gaining momentum in the second half of 2025. Meanwhile, Netflix’s limited support for theatrical windows has previously been cited as a sticking point in industry talks, including with creators from major franchises.

AMC said 2026 opened with the strongest first-quarter box office since theaters shut during the pandemic, driven by a stronger slate of releases and industry commitments to maintain traditional theatrical windows.

How Do Retail Traders Feel About AMC?

On Stocktwits, retail sentiment for AMC was ‘bearish’ amid ‘low’ message volume.

AMC stock has declined 45% over the past year. 

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