The Barbarian filmmaker’s ambitious new project hits a roadblock as Netflix hesitates to grant it a full theatrical release.

A Promising Project Put on Pause

November 7, 2025: Director Zach Cregger, best known for his breakout horror hit Barbarian, has reportedly run into a major setback with his highly anticipated sci-fi thriller The Flood. According to industry insiders, the project has stalled at Netflix after disagreements over the film’s release strategy — particularly the streamer’s reluctance to provide a theatrical rollout.

Cregger, who has become one of Hollywood’s most sought-after new filmmakers, is said to be pushing for a traditional big-screen release. He believes The Flood deserves a cinematic experience due to its scale, visual design, and thematic depth. Netflix, however, remains committed to its streaming-first model, leading to creative tension between the parties.

Creative Vision vs. Streaming Strategy

Sources close to production say The Flood was envisioned as a genre-bending sci-fi epic with the same unpredictable energy that made Barbarian a critical and commercial success. Cregger reportedly views a theatrical debut as essential to preserving the film’s intended impact and audience reach.

“Zach has been adamant about his films being experienced with an audience — that collective gasp, that shared reaction,” one insider shared. “He feels The Flood loses something if it’s just dropped quietly on a platform.”

Netflix’s hesitation stems from internal data showing that most of its blockbuster investments perform best when available exclusively on streaming. Yet, as other studios like Warner Bros. and Apple have begun embracing hybrid releases, pressure is mounting for Netflix to reconsider its long-standing stance.

The Ongoing Negotiations

Talks between Cregger’s team and Netflix are still ongoing, with both sides exploring possible compromises. One potential solution could involve a limited theatrical release before the movie’s streaming debut — a model that has proven successful for Netflix films such as Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery and The Irishman.

However, until an agreement is reached, The Flood remains in limbo, leaving fans eager to see what Cregger will do next.

Cregger’s Rising Hollywood Influence

Following the success of Barbarian, Cregger has quickly earned a reputation for bold storytelling and genre innovation. His unique mix of horror, satire, and emotional storytelling has made him a filmmaker to watch — and The Flood was poised to be his biggest project yet.

With the future of the film uncertain, industry watchers are calling this standoff a pivotal moment — not just for Cregger, but for how filmmakers and streamers negotiate the balance between artistic vision and corporate strategy in the modern movie era.