From Greta Gerwig, writer/director of Lady Bird, Little Women, and Barbie, Narnia: The Magician's Nephew is based on the 1955 novel The Magician's Nephew, the sixth published and first chronological novel in The Chronicles of Narnia book series by C.S. Lewis.

It will also be Netflix's first ever movie to receive a wide/global theatrical release in both IMAX and traditional theaters - on February 10th and 12th next year, respectively - before arriving on Netflix April 2, 2027, making for Netflix's longest theatrical window as well, by far.

That said, while a traditional theatrical release, for better or worse, don't expect a traditional Narnia movie…

Time Period Shift: The story moves from its original early-1900s setting in C.S. Lewis's book to post-war 1950s Britain, turning young characters Digory Kirke and Polly Plummer into members of the generation that would later inspire rock music.

Musical Inspiration: While it is not a literal musical with characters breaking into song, Gerwig describes the film as a "rock opera" influenced by 1960s and 1970s British rock, glam-rock aesthetics, and artists like David Bowie, The Who, Paul McCartney, David Gilmour, Jimmy Page, and Robert Plant.

Aslan's Portrayal: The cosmic lion Aslan - who sings Narnia into existence - is voiced by Meryl Streep and features a visual design inspired by David Bowie, including heterochromatic eyes and bold red stripes.

Anachronistic Soundtrack: Reports indicate the movie uses rock tracks throughout an otherwise period-authentic setting, drawing a stylistic comparison to Sofia Coppola's Marie Antoinette.

Personally, I think this sounds awesome, though I know purists are potentially thinking the opposite. We'll find out more tomorrow when the first trailer finally releases…

Narnia: The Magician's Nephew. Trailer Tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/4X758BYrp1

— Netflix (@netflix) October 12, 2026

I definitely feel nervous about this for all the reasons.

Gerwig hasn't proven she is the drawl yet. She has gradually made more money on her movies and Barbie was a huge hit. But this will put it to the test for sure.

On the other hand, I'm a big fan of all her movies. Barbie is my least favorite of the three she has directed, and I still think it's solid. She always comes up with interesting ways to frame a story and she isn't preachy like her contemporaries can be. There is a pretty good chance that despite all the risks that the movie turns out to be good if not even truly special. If that's the case, then I think it could do really well.

It's a big risk for sure so it could bomb really bad as well. Especially because the changes/risks are alienating the core fans and I am not sure there is a new audience that is ready to dive into this world.

I liked Lady Bird, Little Women, and Barbie. But right now for me she's still at "Will check out on streaming" not "Will check out in theaters".

And I just don't envision the new audience you're talking about being large enough to make up for the Christians who won't be seeing it.

I don't think you can call her disingenuous for this. You can say that male is another prerequisite for you for this that she does not share, but of the things she listed, she is right that there are not a lot of actors who can pull that off. I think Bridges is the only one your list that I would agree with. But also, I haven't seen what she is going for so maybe he would have been wrong for it too.

I'd add Kevin Kline too.

I think picking a female to voice Aslan will more than likely end up being a mistake, and seems to already be a huge unforced error in marketing this adaptation, but we don't have to assume bad motives or dishonesty in how she is speaking about her decisions just because we disagree with the choice.

Ok, that's a valid point...that perhaps there were additional qualities in the character which required a female to be able to portray that in their voice. But if that's the case then she should have added that to her statement. You're telling me she listed a lot of qualities she looked for, but left out a specific reason why the actor had to be female?

By not providing a reason why an actress rather than an actor was chosen she's forcing people to assume why based on their own beliefs. And most people, IMO, are going to assume its for subversive reasons.

Lame.

My oldest three (8, 6, 4) just finished listening to the entire Narnia series on audiobook (with Sir Patrick Stewart reading The Last Battle). They are budding young Christians who pickup on the symbolism and allegory. It would've been great timing to let them watch, but I think we are going to pass on this version.

I don't understand the choice of Netflix to go with Narnia, but then Greta as director and Streep as Aslan. Maybe Streep could've been cast as Jadis, though even that may be a stretch considering her age.

I love it when a plan comes together

I didn't bring it up. I was responding to two other people who did.

If someone is going to assert god is male then it only follows to ask if he possesses the traits that define "male".

JDUB08AG said:

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TCTTS said:

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That was a very level-headed response on my part, discussing the merits of the movie itself, the movies that have come before, Gerwig's inspiration, etc. In no way am I "all hot and bothered."

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"You cannot be serious with this nonsense"

Man you are rich. Your original post was completely fine but you aren't stupid and you knew exactly the type of dialogue this thread would invite.

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You literally replied to my other post, the one in which I didn't say that.

Also? I can find the idea of God having human sex organs to be nonsense in the exact same way you guys can find this movie to be nonsense/"trash"/etc. It's funny how y'all are allowed to share your opinions but I'm not.