Netflix's Cliff Booth faces IMAX snub from major US cinema chains

Netflix's The Further Mis-adventures of Cliff Booth is set for a two-week theatrical window starting November 25 before streaming on December 23. Two of the three largest US cinema chains, Regal and Cinemark, have refused to screen the film on their IMAX screens, while AMC will show it. The film stars Brad Pitt and was written by Quentin Tarantino and directed by David Fincher. It will play on AMC's IMAX screens and select regional circuits, reaching roughly 550 screens worldwide. This marks the first time Netflix is releasing a movie in the IMAX format.

Cinema chain rejections

Regal and Cinemark have declined to book the film for their IMAX theaters. Regal operates approximately 100 IMAX screens in the U.S., while Cinemark has around 20. AMC, the biggest US cinema chain, operates about 200 domestic IMAX screens and will carry the film. The global screen count is roughly 550. IMAX granted exhibitors an opt-out clause due to late booking schedule arrangements.

Cinemark CEO Sean Gamble stated the decision was due to Netflix's short release window ending two weeks before streaming, and concerns about setting a precedent for future negotiations. He called the proposed release model not constructive for the broader theatrical ecosystem. The chain plans to keep The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping on IMAX screens during Thanksgiving due to strong advance sales. That Lionsgate film premieres November 20 and is expected to remain in premium format auditoriums for a second weekend.

Industry context

The dispute reflects broader tensions between Netflix and cinema chains over theatrical release windows. Exhibition chains prioritize ticket sales and box-office potential over auteur-led films. Netflix maintains huge subscriber numbers and monthly income but has experienced lower user engagement and struggles to land breakout successes. There are the first discernible signs that its longstanding business model is running out of steam.

Netflix left tens of millions in potential revenue by not playing Knives Out films for longer theatrical windows. In contrast, Amazon and Skydance are heavily committed to theatrical releases. Netflix is pushing its last David Fincher movie toward a small cinema run. The company recently announced significant job losses and senior personnel changes. Its failed attempt to purchase Warner Bros may have boosted its current position.

Future release plans

Netflix has several other theatrical releases planned, with varying window lengths. The company plans a wide release for Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew in February with a seven-week window, including IMAX.

Cinemark CEO Sean Gamble predicted theatrical windows could widen to 60-plus days for larger films and expand further by 2027. Cinemark Holdings reported total revenue of $1.05 billion in the third quarter, up from $857.5 million in the same period of 2025. Netflix reported a $277,000 gross for La Bola Negra across four theaters, the second-highest screen average for a non-English language film since 2019's Parasite. The film will stream on Netflix on December 23 after its theatrical run concludes.