Zach Cregger’s Next Movie THE FLOOD Stalled as Netflix Backs Away From Theatrical Release
After the breakout success of Weapons and the upcoming Resident Evil adaptation on the horizon, filmmaker Zach Cregger looked ready to keep the momentum going with a new sci-fi project titled The Flood.
But, according to a new report, that movie has now hit a major snag, and it all comes down to Netflix’s reluctance to release it in theaters.
As reported by TheWrap, The Flood has been “stalled” because Netflix pulled back from giving the film a theatrical run. Cregger wrote the script himself and had partnered with Amblin and Netflix under the impression that the project would get a proper big-screen release.
The situation reportedly traces back to a meeting in Prague during the summer of 2025, when Netflix Films chairman Dan Lin visited Cregger as he was prepping Resident Evil for Sony.
Lin allegedly assured him that The Flood would receive a theatrical commitment. However, Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos later nixed that plan, leaving the filmmaker’s next project in limbo.
An insider told The Wrap, “The real question is whether Netflix backs down or they let Cregger take it out [to a different studio] because Zach remains committed to a theatrical release.”
Another source, however, pushed back on the claim, saying the movie isn’t stalled but in “active development” with talks “still ongoing.”
Sarandos recently reaffirmed Netflix’s current movie strategy during the streamer’s third-quarter earnings call, stating that despite the box office success of KPop Demon Hunter, “There’s no change... Our strategy is to give our members exclusive first-run movies on Netflix.”
Still, the company has shown a willingness to give certain projects limited theatrical exposure, like Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein, which premiered in theaters before streaming, and the Stranger Things Season 5 finale, set to debut on the big screen on New Year’s Day 2026.
Cregger’s desire for a theatrical release isn’t surprising considering his recent success. Weapons became one of the year’s biggest horror hits, grossing over $267 million worldwide according to Box Office Mojo and earning widespread praise for its sharp storytelling and atmosphere.
His upcoming Resident Evil film, starring Austin Abrams, is expected to continue that streak when it hits theaters next year.
Netflix would be stupid not to release the movie in theaters. For now, fans will have to wait to see whether The Flood finds its way to theaters with Netflix or somewhere else, but Cregger isn’t ready to let this one just stream quietly into the night.