Zach Cregger's Sci-Fi Epic 'The Flood' Hits Theatrical Roadblock at Netflix

After a string of box office hits, director Zach Cregger finds his next original sci-fi film, The Flood, in limbo at Netflix, all because of a disagreement over whether it will play on the big screen.

TL;DR

• Zach Cregger's upcoming sci-fi movie, The Flood, is currently stalled at Netflix.
• The core issue is Cregger's insistence on a theatrical release, which Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos has reportedly rejected.
• This conflict arises despite Cregger's recent massive box office success with films like Weapons and Barbarian.

Imagine hitting a home run, then a grand slam, and suddenly, your next pitch is called off due to an argument over which stadium it should be played in. That's a bit like what's happening with Zach Cregger, the director behind the runaway horror hits Barbarian and Weapons. Just when his career is soaring, his highly anticipated sci-fi project, The Flood, finds itself caught in a high-stakes standoff with Netflix, all over the simple, yet increasingly complex, question of a theatrical release.

Zach Cregger's Meteoric Rise and Box Office Dominance

Cregger isn't just a director; he's a proven hitmaker, especially in the horror genre. His 2022 film, Barbarian, made waves by grossing an impressive $45.4 million against a modest $4 million budget. Then came this summer's phenomenon, Weapons, which truly cemented his status. This original horror epic, about a classroom of vanishing children, debuted to rave reviews and went on to earn over $267 million worldwide, a remarkable feat for a non-franchise film. Source: Box Office Mojo.

With such a stellar track record, it’s no wonder Hollywood is buzzing about what Cregger will do next. He’s currently busy in Prague prepping Sony’s unique take on the Resident Evil video game franchise, starring Austin Abrams, which is slated for a theatrical and IMAX release on September 18, 2026. But after that, many expected The Flood, a sci-fi script he penned for Amblin, to be his next big move. That is, until the streaming giant stepped in.

The Great Divide: Netflix's Streaming First Policy Clashes with Filmmaker Vision

The saga of The Flood and Netflix began with a promising courtship. According to insiders, Netflix Films chairman Dan Lin even flew to Prague in summer 2025 to personally convince Cregger to bring his sci-fi project to the streamer. The carrot dangled? A theatrical commitment for the film. Source: TheWrap. This seemed like a win-win, offering Cregger the big-screen platform he desired and Netflix the prestige of a hot director's next project.

However, that promise appears to have been short-lived. Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos reportedly shot down the prospect of a theatrical release for The Flood. With Cregger "adamant" about his film being shown on the big screen, the project is now officially "in limbo." While some sources from TheWrap say the project is "stalled," others indicate it's still in "active development" with "talks still ongoing." Regardless of the precise terminology, the core issue remains: Cregger wants cinemas, Netflix wants exclusivity.

Netflix Co-CEO Ted Sarandos on Theatrical Strategy:

"There’s no change... Our strategy is to give our members exclusive first-run Movies on Netflix. We occasionally release certain films in theaters for our fans... or as part of our launch strategy, publicity, marketing, qualification, all those things, and we’ll continue to do that."

— From Netflix’s third-quarter earnings call. Source: GamesRadar+

Unpacking Netflix's Shifting (Yet Steadfast) Theatrical Strategy

Sarandos's statement during the streamer’s third-quarter earnings call makes Netflix’s position abundantly clear: streaming exclusivity is paramount. Even the box office success of films like KPop Demon Hunters, which scored $19 million in theatrical release, hasn't swayed the company's core strategy. Netflix releases around 30 films in theaters annually, but these are typically limited runs, often for awards qualification in major cities like New York and Los Angeles.

Yet, the company isn't entirely averse to the big screen. They have shown some "selective flexibility" for certain high-profile projects or major talent. For example, Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein received a theatrical run in October. The highly anticipated series finale of Stranger Things Season 5 is set to hit theaters on New Year’s Day 2026, simultaneous with its Netflix debut. And perhaps most notably, Greta Gerwig’s upcoming Narnia adaptation will be Netflix's first to receive an IMAX release after extensive negotiations.

This creates an interesting dynamic: some big-name directors or established franchises get special treatment, while others, even those with recent massive successes like Cregger, don't. This uneven approach suggests that while Netflix values certain creative partnerships, its underlying commitment to a streaming-first model remains largely unyielding. The tradeoff is clear: secure top talent versus upholding a consistent, subscriber-centric delivery model.

Now, some might argue that Netflix's primary responsibility is to its subscribers, and theatrical runs simply don't align with that. Their business model thrives on driving membership through exclusive content. Sarandos's quote directly supports this, emphasizing "exclusive first-run movies on Netflix." So, from a purely business perspective, denying a wide theatrical release, especially for a new original sci-fi film without a built-in audience, makes financial sense if the goal is to maximize streaming viewership from day one. However, the other side of this coin is the "filmmaker experience." Directors like Cregger, fresh off a triumph like Weapons, feel they've earned the right to see their art on the biggest canvas possible, an experience many believe is integral to the cinematic craft itself. This is where the tension truly lies, as creative ambition clashes with corporate strategy.

Example: The Director's Vision for Immersive Storytelling

Consider a filmmaker like Cregger, who crafts a sci-fi epic like The Flood. He envisions grand landscapes, intricate visual effects, and a sound design meant to envelop an audience in a darkened theater. For him, seeing it on a phone or even a large home TV might feel like showing a painting meant for a museum in a small book. The communal experience, the lack of distractions, the sheer scale – these elements contribute significantly to how the story is received and how his artistic intent is realized. This desire for the intended presentation is a driving force behind filmmakers' insistence on theatrical windows, viewing it as essential to the film's artistic integrity and impact.

Beyond the Box Office: The Broader Implications for Filmmakers and Film Enthusiasts

This isn't an isolated incident. The tug-of-war between filmmakers and streamers over theatrical releases has become a recurring theme in Hollywood. Christopher Nolan notably parted ways with Warner Bros. after their controversial day-and-date streaming release strategy for films like Tenet. Similarly, Apple reportedly hindered a Wolfs sequel by moving the film to its streaming service at the last minute. Joseph Kosinski turned down a Netflix offer for F1 over its lack of a theatrical plan, and even Rian Johnson "practically begged" for a wide release of Knives Out.

For movie lovers, these behind-the-scenes battles have real-world consequences. When a director like Cregger, known for original and impactful storytelling, struggles to get his film on the big screen, it limits the diversity of experiences available at the multiplex. It forces creatives to choose between the broader reach and financial security of a streamer and the prestige and intended viewing experience of a traditional theatrical run. Ultimately, this dynamic shapes the kinds of movies that get made, and how we, the audience, get to see them.

Navigating the Cinematic Landscape: Practical Insights for the Modern Moviegoer

So, what does this ongoing conflict mean for you, the person who just wants to enjoy great movies?

• Original Visions May Prioritize Theatrical: Expect more acclaimed directors with unique ideas to push for theatrical releases, even if it means foregoing major streaming deals.
• Big Tentpole Films Still Get Screens: Established franchises and awards-bait features from streamers will likely continue to receive limited theatrical windows.
• Keep an Eye on Production News: If a film you're excited about is with a streamer, follow industry news closely to see if a theatrical run is part of its plan.
• Your Viewing Habits Matter: The success of theatrical runs for certain films (even streamer-backed ones) sends a signal to studios about audience demand for the big screen experience.

FAQ: Your Questions About Zach Cregger and The Flood

What is Zach Cregger's next movie currently in production? Zach Cregger is currently directing a new adaptation of Resident Evil for Sony Pictures, starring Austin Abrams, with filming taking place in Prague. It's expected in theaters and IMAX on September 18, 2026. Why is The Flood delayed? The Flood is reportedly delayed or "stalled" due to a disagreement between director Zach Cregger and Netflix. Cregger is "adamant" about giving the sci-fi film a theatrical release, while Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos has rejected this idea, preferring to keep it as an exclusive streaming title. Has Netflix released any other films in theaters? Yes, Netflix occasionally releases films in theaters. Notable examples include KPop Demon Hunters, Guillermo del Toro's Frankenstein, and the upcoming Stranger Things Season 5 finale, which will hit big screens on New Year's Day 2026. Greta Gerwig's Narnia film is also set for an IMAX release. What was Zach Cregger's last big success before this conflict? Zach Cregger's most recent major success was the horror film Weapons, which earned over $267 million worldwide this summer after receiving rave reviews.

Sources

• GamesRadar+: "Zach Cregger's The Flood is stalled at Netflix after streamer pulled a theatrical release" (date as per reference articles, e.g., November 6, 2025)
• TheWrap: "Zach Cregger Sci-Fi Movie ‘The Flood’ Stalled at Netflix Over Lack of Theatrical Commitment | Exclusive" (date as per reference articles, e.g., November 6, 2025)
• A.V. Club: "Zach Cregger and Netflix are reportedly having a spat about theatrical releases" (date as per reference articles, e.g., November 6, 2025)
• ScreenRant: "Zach Cregger's Netflix Sci-Fi Movie Hits Major Setback After Horror Director's Box Office Success" (date as per reference articles, e.g., November 6, 2025)
• Box Office Mojo (as cited in reference articles for box office figures)