Beyond the wardrobe lies a whole new Narnia – and Netflix is leading the way.
It’s been nearly 15 years since audiences last journeyed to the fantastical world of Narnia on the big screen. But now, Netflix is preparing a bold and ambitious revival of C.S. Lewis’ beloved universe – one that promises to both honor and radically reinterpret the classic stories for a new generation.
A New Era For Narnia Begins
Netflix announced in 2018 that it had secured the rights to The Chronicles of Narnia, marking the first time all seven books have been held by a single company.
The streaming giant reportedly spent close to $250 million for the franchise rights, intending to produce both films and series across the sprawling fantasy saga.After years of speculation and stalled projects, the new adaptation is finally gaining serious momentum – and at the helm is none other than Oscar-nominated director Greta Gerwig (Lady Bird, Little Women, Barbie), whose involvement has generated both excitement and curiosity.
Past Attempts And Present Plans
Before Netflix entered the scene, the Narnia franchise experienced a rocky cinematic journey.
Following the success of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2005) and Prince Caspian (2008), the third installment, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (2010), earned a more modest $407 million globally.
Plans to adapt The Silver Chair or The Magician’s Nephew never materialized after Walden Media lost the rights and a subsequent Sony-led reboot collapsed amid leadership changes and creative differences.
That all changed in 2018 when Netflix acquired the full franchise.
Now, the streamer appears to be all-in –not just adapting a single story, but building what early press materials called a “Narnia universe.”
What’s Confirmed: Cast, Crew, And Release
Gerwig will direct the first two films, with the first one being a cinematic release set to hit IMAX theaters on Thanksgiving Day 2026 (November 26), followed by a streaming release on Netflix on Christmas Day 2026.
The franchise will be overseen by Matthew Aldrich, best known for writing Pixar’s Coco.
Filming is scheduled to begin in July 2025 and run through December at Shepperton Studios in the UK.
Two cast members have been officially confirmed for Netflix’s upcoming adaptation of The Chronicles of Narnia:
- Emma Mackey will portray Jadis, the White Witch. Mackey, who gained prominence through her roles in Sex Education and Barbie
- Carey Mulligan is confirmed to play Mabel Kirke, the mother of Digory Kirke. Mulligan, known for Promising Young Woman and An Education
Rumored Cast
Several other actors have been linked to the project, though none of their roles have been officially confirmed by Netflix or the production team.
- Charli XCX, Mikey Madison, and Margaret Qualley were previously linked to the role of Jadis, the White Witch, prior to Emma Mackey’s casting. According to reports, Qualley even screen-tested for the part. None of these casting discussions moved forward publicly after Mackey’s official attachment to the role.
- Saoirse Ronan, a frequent collaborator of Greta Gerwig, has hinted at possible involvement in the series. Though her role has not been identified, her long-standing creative relationship with Gerwig has fueled speculation that she will appear in some capacity.
- Meryl Streep is said to be in talks to voice Aslan, the great lion and spiritual heart of the Narnia universe. This remains speculative, but would represent a major casting decision if confirmed.
- Daniel Craig has been associated with the role of Uncle Andrew, the eccentric and morally ambiguous magician who plays a central part in The Magician’s Nephew.
- According to Research by NarniaWeb a casting call in early 2025 sought child actors aged 10–11, widely believed to be for Digory and Polly – key characters in The Magician’s Nephew.
Rumors: What Fans Are Speculating
Which Book will be adapted?
While Netflix has not officially announced which book the first film will adapt, mounting evidence points to The Magician’s Nephew, the prequel to The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.The presence of Digory and Polly in casting calls, along with whispers from actor Jason Isaacs (who once auditioned to voice Aslan), reinforce this theory.
There’s also chatter that Netflix and Gerwig intend to adapt all seven books, weaving them into a connected narrative arc.
Former Netflix Film Chief Scott Stuber hinted at such ambitions, saying the team was figuring out how to “break the whole arc” of the series. This could mean streamlining timelines and even adding original material, something early press releases seemed to suggest by frequently using the word "universe."
Story Direction
While rooted in the beloved source material by C.S. Lewis, early remarks from producer Amy Pascal suggest a radical new interpretation.
Pascal teased that the film would be “all about rock and roll,” hinting at a thematic and stylistic departure from the tone of earlier adaptations.
Though Gerwig has expressed deep respect for Lewis’ work multiple times, her own filmography suggests she will not shy away from reinterpreting it through a contemporary lens.
What would you like to see in the new adaptation? New characters or a faithful adaption?
Tell us in the commens!