Vue CEO Blasts IMAX-Netflix Pact, Warns ‘Narnia’ Will Skip Nearly All Cinemas

Vue Entertainment CEO Tim Richards has spoken out against the new arrangement between IMAX and Netflix, criticizing the exclusive two-week release planned for Greta Gerwig’s upcoming “Narnia” film.

His comments were shared in a letter obtained by Variety, marking one of the first major public objections from a leading cinema operator.

In the letter, Richards said the deal shuts out nearly all theaters from showing the movie and warned that IMAX’s push for more exclusive agreements could harm the wider theatrical business. He argued that this kind of release cuts off audiences who want to see the film on regular screens, not only on IMAX. Richards also pointed out that the plan forces cinemas to choose between following the usual release window rules or giving IMAX full control of the film.

He said the situation creates an uneven playing field and claimed that IMAX’s approach could hurt the cooperative system theaters rely on. Richards also mentioned the threat of what he called a “nuclear option,” which he described as IMAX using legal pressure to force theaters to screen the movie. He said this leaves many theaters without a real choice.

Richards questioned why the film would be limited to such a small number of screens, especially since other large-format options like Dolby or XD will not be able to show it. He also pushed back on IMAX’s suggestion that this is the best way to release a movie today. He pointed out that some of the biggest box office hits, including “Barbie,” reached huge success without using IMAX at all.

He said IMAX is no longer the most advanced format and noted that competing systems now offer strong picture and sound technology. Richards also shared a quote from Greta Gerwig in which she said she preferred her movie to be seen in Dolby Vision and Atmos, a format many cinemas offer.

He ended the letter by saying the movie industry should work together instead of pushing exclusive release paths. He stressed the importance of giving audiences options and added that limiting viewers to a single format goes against the purpose of theatrical releases. “The industry should never try to convince audiences that there is only one way to enjoy a great film,” he wrote.

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