Is Aslan About to Get Bigger?
Door Jam: November 2, 2024
The Door Jam is a place to squeeze in relevant articles written about C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien, their work, adaptations of their fantasy worlds, and other potentially interesting news, information, and articles. Unless otherwise stated, I’m not necessarily endorsing (or criticizing) any of these, but merely sharing them with you.
Today’s top story is the latest on Netflix’s Narnia and the increasing possibility that it will be released on the big screen, in fact, the biggest possible screen. Other news includes a restoration update on Lewis and Tolkien’s favorite hangout, Rings of Power season two successes and season three possibilities, Christopher Lee returning as Saruman (thankfully without A.I.), and some substantial nerd news.
Top Story
Despite Netflix’ insistence on a streaming-first model, their desire to appease and woo top-tier Hollywood talent, like Greta Gerwig, may give us a great compromise for Narnia.
News first began trickling out earlier this week that Imax may be an option. From Bloomberg on Monday:
While Netflix and major theater chains have never been able to agree on a business model, Gerwig and the film’s producers see an opportunity with Imax, which has close to 2,000 screens in 90 countries.
On Tuesday, Los Angeles Times confirmed the initial reporting.
Discussions between Netflix, Imax and Gerwig, who has been a driving force on the issue, are preliminary at this stage, the people said. A deal may not happen. If an agreement solidifies, it would be Imax’s first deal for a theatrical window for a Netflix feature film.
By Wednesday, The Hollywood Reporter reported a potential time frame for the film’s release.
Imax and Netflix are indeed in preliminary talks regarding Narnia, sources tell The Hollywood Reporter. One plan being discussed is to release the event pic over Thanksgiving 2026 before making it available to its subscribers over Christmas. Whether that would be a long-enough window to satisfy theater circuits that operate Imax auditoriums is the big question, and the potential stumbling block.
Reports indicate the Narnia film, which we still don’t know which books will be adapted first, will premiere on Imax during the Thanksgiving weekend 2026, have a three to five week theatrical run, before arriving to Netflix in time for Christmas.
Not Safe But Good
C.S. Lewis quote of the week
I can hardly imagine a more deadly spiritual condition than that of the man who can read that passage [Sermon on the Mount] with tranquil pleasure.
“Rejoinder to Dr. Pittenger” from God in the Dock
Tumnus’ bookshelf
A book by or about C.S. Lewis
I’m currently working on a freelance piece about C.S. Lewis misquotes. I had the privilege of connecting with William O’Flaherty, one of the most knowledgable and kindest Lewis experts around. For the past decade, he’s been tracking down and calling out misattributed C.S. Lewis quotes, including in his book, The Misquotable C.S. Lewis: What He Didn’t Say, What He Actually Said, and Why It Matters.
The Lamp Post
Recent articles from me in other places
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