Greta Gerwig’s The Chronicles of Narnia Films: A Bold New Vision for Netflix
Behind the Scenes of Greta Gerwig’s Chronicles of Narnia for Netflix
In 2018, Netflix made a groundbreaking move by acquiring the film and TV rights to C.S. Lewis’s entire Chronicles of Narnia series—the first time a single entity had secured the rights to all seven books. This acquisition set the stage for fans who had long awaited definitive news on the beloved adaptations.
After a prolonged period of uncertainty, momentum picked up in 2023 when Netflix officially announced that acclaimed director Greta Gerwig—whose work on Lady Bird, Little Women, and Barbie earned her critical acclaim—would helm the project. Though Gerwig is predominantly known for her indie dramas and explorations of feminist themes, her involvement signals Netflix’s intent to inject fresh creativity and thoughtful storytelling into the classic fantasy world.
Interestingly, rather than beginning with the widely recognized The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Gerwig is set to start with The Magician’s Nephew. This choice opens the door to exploring the very genesis of Narnia, detailing the creation of its magical realm, the origin of its enchanted tree, and the initial appearance of the wardrobe that later serves as a portal for the Pevensie siblings.
In interviews, Gerwig has described Narnia as a world full of paradoxes—a blend of profound spirituality, childlike wonder, and intricate moral dilemmas. Her vision is to honor the original essence of Lewis’s work while captivating a new audience with striking visuals and emotionally rich narratives.
Moreover, this project marks a strategic move for Netflix, aiming to establish a long-lasting franchise that could stand alongside other fantasy titans such as Harry Potter and The Lord of the Rings.
Release Dates
The first film in the series is slated for a theatrical IMAX release on November 26, 2026, giving fans a chance to experience Narnia on the big screen before it lands on Netflix for streaming on December 25, 2026—a fitting Christmas Day premiere.
Production Timeline & Location
Filming is expected to begin in July 2025 and wrap by December 2025. Production will primarily take place at Shepperton Studios in the UK, a location known for hosting major fantasy and sci-fi productions.
Casting Rumors
Although no official cast has been confirmed, several high-profile names are rumored to be involved:
- Meryl Streep is reportedly in talks to voice Aslan, the iconic lion and spiritual center of Narnia. If cast, this would mark a bold gender-swapped reimagining of the character.
- Daniel Craig has been linked to multiple roles, with speculation ranging from the mysterious Uncle Andrew (from The Magician’s Nephew) to the voice of Aslan himself.
- Charli XCX, the British pop artist, is rumored to be in consideration for Jadis, also known as the White Witch, one of the franchise’s most powerful and chilling antagonists.
What Will the First Film Cover?
Sources suggest that the first film will adapt The Magician’s Nephew, a prequel in the Narnia timeline. This story delves into the origins of Narnia itself, including the creation of the magical wardrobe that plays a central role in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.
Greta Gerwig’s Vision
Gerwig has spoken about her deep appreciation for Lewis’s layered storytelling and moral complexity. Her goal is to craft adaptations that stay true to the spirit of the original works while exploring new thematic depth and visual wonder.
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