The Adventures of Cliff Booth Lands IMAX Release Date Ahead of Netflix Debut
Netflix has announced release plans for David Fincher’s The Adventures of Cliff Booth, a sequel to Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, positioning it as a major theatrical event before its streaming debut.
The film will receive an exclusive two-week run in IMAX theaters beginning November 25th, 2026, followed by its Netflix release on December 23rd, 2026. This release strategy mirrors Netflix’s approach with the Knives Out sequels, which also received limited theatrical releases before arriving on the streamer during the holiday season.
The IMAX release window was secured after Greta Gerwig’s upcoming Narnia film—originally scheduled for the same period—was delayed to February 2027. The shift reflects Netflix’s growing investment in theatrical distribution for prestige content, particularly films starring major talent like Brad Pitt.
This hybrid release model demonstrates how streaming platforms are increasingly competing with traditional theatrical releases by offering both exclusive cinema experiences and premium home viewing options. The strategy allows Netflix to generate theatrical revenue and critical attention while maintaining control over the film’s eventual streaming premiere, capitalizing on end-of-year holiday viewing patterns.