Netflix’s upcoming adaptation ofNarniahas officially kicked off production, and the first look at the fantasy film has leaked online. Directed by Greta Gerwig,the first installmentof the new live-action adaptation is based on a prequel novel from the iconic C. S. Lewis book franchise. Boasting a star-studded cast and crew, Netflix intends to jump-start a new saga of films disconnected from previous interpretations of the material.
Various images from the set of Netflix’sNarniahave surfaced onX, revealing a pair of children roaming the streets of a 1950s-set London. The two characters are believed to be Digory Kirke and Polly Plummer, the protagonists ofThe Magician’s Nephew, which takes place before the rest of the novels. It appears that Netflix has opted to cast young up-and-coming actors for the lead roles, a far cry from the rest of the star-studded ensemble.Narniais reportedly set to feature Emma Mackey as the White Witch,Meryl Streep as Aslan, Daniel Craig as Uncle Andrew, andCarey Mulligan asDigory’s mother, Mabel Kirke. You can check out the images below:
Gerwig’s adaptation ofThe Magician’s Nephewwill feature a significant time-setting change from the original novel. According toprevious reports, Netflix’sNarniafollows “two youngsters who, thanks to an uncle’s magic dabbling, unleash the evil White Witch into a turn-of-the 20th century London.” In the book, Digory and Polly go on their adventure in the summer of 1900, 50 years before Gerwig’s film. It seems the newNarniaadaptation is moving up the timeline, which will eventually allow for the next installments to take place closer to the 2000s. Although it still appears to be a rather faithful adaptation, Gerwig’sNarniais adjusting things to make the material more relevant than ever before.
Original ‘Chronicles of Narnia’ Star Talks Netflix Reboot
Ben Barnes, who starred in theChronicles of Narniamovies as Prince Caspian,recently discussedNetflix’s live-action reboot. He appeared in the previous two movie adaptations, the last of which,The Voyage of the Dawn Treader,was released in 2010. Of course, the actor had nothing but nice things about Greta Gerwig’s take on the iconic material, which is now being retold for a “new generation.” It’s clear that he appreciates that the legacy ofNarniais continuing 15 years later.
“With classic literature, there’s no end to the ways they can be adapted as long as it’s being fresh, and it’s speaking to a new generation.
“I think that those stories have this fantasy that really allows you to tell beautifully allegorical stories about hope and goodness and faith. I think that it’d be really interesting to see her take on that. I’m thrilled that [Narnia] is getting retold.”
When it comes to Barnes returning as Caspian, that door is almost certainly shut. Fortunately, fans will still have the three films to revisit, which have aged remarkably well. Netflix is expected to releaseNarniain late 2026, with an IMAX theatrical run slated before landing on Netflix on Christmas day.
