Netflix's Cliff Booth IMAX Release Blocked by Major Theater Chains

Netflix has hit a roadblock in its plan for a major theatrical run for its new David Fincher film. Per Variety and TheWrap, major theater chains Regal and Cinemark have declined to screen "The Further Mis-Adventures of Cliff Booth" on their IMAX screens.

According to TheWrap, the film will now have a two-week IMAX-exclusive run starting at Thanksgiving, but it will be largely limited to AMC theaters. The report states the film will play on roughly 550 IMAX screens worldwide, with about 200 of those in the United States, plus a few independent venues.

An insider told TheWrap that Netflix anticipated the refusal from Regal and Cinemark, who are instead expected to dedicate their IMAX screens to the second weekend of "The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping." The report notes the new Hunger Games film is projected for a strong opening.

For AMC, showing the Netflix film represents a chance to strengthen its relationship with the streamer as it experiments more with theatrical releases. The film stars Brad Pitt reprising his role as stuntman Cliff Booth and is directed by David Fincher from a script by Quentin Tarantino.

"The Further Mis-Adventures of Cliff Booth" is scheduled to premiere on Netflix on December 23, following its limited theatrical engagement.