Why Netflix Fired Dan Lin: Details on the ‘Narnia’ Conflict

The atmosphere in Hollywood executive suites is currently tumultuous, with Netflix at the forefront of the upheaval. Recently, the streaming giant announced significant layoffs, including the departure of its content chief and top film executive, leading many to wonder why Netflix fired Dan Lin.

On October 14, Netflix revealed it was cutting about 1,000 jobs, which accounts for roughly 6% of its workforce. Among those affected was film VP Doug Belgrad, who had been a close ally of Lin since he started. Chief content officer Bela Bajaria also exited, with Peter Rice set to take over her role on October 26.

Lin’s departure followed shortly after, with Variety reporting that he struggled to balance streaming titles with theatrical release strategies. Sources indicate that his disagreement with Greta Gerwig regarding ‘Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew’ was not the sole reason for his firing.

As per Variety’s sources, Lin appeared dismissive toward Gerwig during a Zoom call earlier this year concerning the film’s development, which has a reported budget of $250 million. Other reports suggest the budget could be as high as $280 million, though these figures remain unconfirmed. The fallout from that meeting quickly spread throughout Netflix.

Following this incident, Lin was reportedly removed from the project, with Belgrad stepping in to oversee it. However, that arrangement ended when Belgrad was laid off last week.

The tension between Lin and Gerwig was not a secret. Entertainment journalist Jeff Sneider noted that Lin had provided extensive feedback on early cuts and had pledged to address issues during post-production after test screenings. Reports also suggest Netflix requested reshoots following a summer screening, although the company has not verified these claims.

This situation reportedly created a rift between Gerwig and Lin, even as the director continued to work diligently on the film. Another source indicated that Gerwig’s representatives at CAA escalated the issue directly to co-CEO Ted Sarandos. Netflix has yet to publicly confirm whether ‘Narnia’ played a role in Lin’s dismissal.

The film is currently set for a wide theatrical release on February 12, 2027, followed by its arrival on Netflix on April 2.

This balancing act is central to the unfolding narrative. Lin took charge of the film division from Scott Stuber in 2024 and began to soften Netflix’s approach to theatrical releases, notably reporting box office data for the first time. However, he also stated in an interview with The New York Times that the streamer would not collaborate with filmmakers who insisted on theatrical releases.

These mixed messages coincided with Netflix granting ‘Narnia’ a full theatrical window. Additionally, the company sent David Fincher’s ‘The Further Mis-Adventures of Cliff Booth’ to theaters in IMAX, all while maintaining its streaming focus.

Lin’s time at Netflix was also marked by other conflicts. Page Six reported that Fincher opted to exit his Netflix deal after disagreements with Lin over budgets for ‘Cliff Booth’, expressing frustration with Lin’s constraints. Under Lin’s leadership, Netflix’s original film output was reduced by more than half, and sources close to Ben Affleck indicated that the actor had also voiced concerns about Lin.

A Universe Begins. See how Narnia was created in Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew, a film by Greta Gerwig – only in theaters February 12. https://t.co/jwxksCL0N7

— Netflix (@netflix) October 13, 2026

Lin leaves behind a significant slate of projects. IndieWire reports that he greenlit or acquired over 85 films, including ‘Apex’, ‘Emilia Pérez’, and ‘Train Dreams’, along with ‘Cliff Booth’ and ‘Narnia’. Ted Sarandos acknowledged Lin’s strengths as a producer in a statement.

Rice will appoint new film leadership after taking over as chief content officer on October 26. Former Warner Bros. film heads Pam Abdy and Michael De Luca have emerged in industry speculation, but neither has been confirmed for the role. For now, Netflix remains silent on who will lead its film division, leaving ‘Narnia’ and the rest of the slate in uncertainty.

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