© Sony Pictures

Netflix's relationship with movie theaters has always been complex. The platform has typically granted limited U.S. theatrical releases to some of its productions, primarily to qualify for awards, including the Oscars. In late 2025, the streaming giant even entered the race to acquire Warner Bros., a deal it nearly finalized before Paramount's aggressive counter-bid. At the time, to reassure the industry, Netflix had promised to respect the traditional theatrical window.

In parallel, Greta Gerwig successfully negotiated an extended IMAX distribution for her Narnia adaptation, inspiring other filmmakers to seek similar arrangements. However, Netflix's Head of Film, Dan Lin, reportedly told the New York Times that he avoided working with artists making such demands. Yet, at CinemaCon, CEO Ted Sarandos reportedly met with exhibitors to discuss broadening the theatrical releases of Netflix's films. It appears they are now committed to playing by the rules of the game.

La Bola Negra, impacted by the measure

Netflix Communicates

Variety recently published an article detailing Netflix's subtle strategic shift, despite its CEO recently assuring shareholders of the company's commitment to its alternative model. The platform is now poised to allocate the longest theatrical window in its history (46 days) to La Bola Negra, a film with significant awards potential following its notable screening at Cannes. This change in philosophy isn't limited to one film: in addition to Narnia (nearly 50 days), Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (47 days), and THE FURTHER MIS-ADVENTURES OF CLIFF BOOTH (yes, we've been expressly asked to write it in all caps) will also receive proper theatrical releases.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Netflix version

This news has been positively received by exhibitors. Competitors, however, insist that Netflix must adhere to industry standards, which means box office figures must be disclosed. Netflix has now committed to doing so for six upcoming films: La Bola Negra, Narnia, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, THE FURTHER MIS-ADVENTURES OF CLIFF BOOTH (yes, it's a bit silly), as well as The Mosquito Bowl and Ink.

This marks a significant change of course for a company that, like other SVoD services, has consistently resisted transparency. Until now, the only real statistics shared concerned the platform's biggest hits, listed on its Tudum site. It goes without saying that independent distributors and media outlets (like us) will make good use of this data. In France, La Bola Negra will also be released in cinemas on December 16th. The Further Mis-Adventures of Cliff Booth (ah, that's better) will be available directly online starting December 23rd.