A new Narnia casting update has Greta Gerwig eyeing a Grammy winner for a key role. In 2018, Netflix first announced plans for new films based on the beloved Chronicles of Narnia book series by C.S. Lewis, and the Barbie director was brought on board in 2020 to adapt and direct the first film. Greta Gerwig’s Narnia movie is still in the early stages, so details are limited, though Netflix is reportedly prepared to give the film a rare IMAX run ahead of its release on the streaming service.

Now, a casting update reveals that Gerwig is eyeing a Grammy winner for a key role. According to ᴅᴇᴀᴅline, Greta Gerwig and Netflix’s Narnia movie is eyeing Charli XCX for a major role, potentially Jadis the White Witch. She is reportedly among the top choices for a key role, and while discussions have been ongoing for quite some time​​​​​, nothing has been finalized yet, and it remains to be seen if a deal will be reached.

What Charli XCX’s Casting Could Mean For Greta Gerwig’s Narnia Movie

Is It A Musical?

Charli XCX is an unexpected choice for Greta Gerwig’s Narnia movie since the singer has limited on-screen acting experience. She did, however, contribute a song, “Speed Drive,” to the soundtrack for Gerwig’s Barbie movie. In a past interview, producer Amy Pacal said that Gerwig’s upcoming adaptation will be “a very new take on Narnia” and is “all about rock and roll.” This tease, which seemed confounding at the time, combined with Charli XCX’s potential casting, would seem to suggest that her involvement, and the movie as a whole, might include some sort of musical element.

As for Charli XCX’s potential role, Jadis the White Witch is the primary antagonist in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, the first book in The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis. A powerful and ruthless sorceress, she usurps Narnia’s throne and plunges the land into an endless winter. Jadis is also featured in The Magician’s Nephew, which reveals her origins. On screen, she has been portrayed by Tilda Swinton in Disney’s film adaptations and by Barbara Kellerman in the 1988 BBC series.

Our Take On Charli XCX’s Casting As Jadis The White Witch

It Suggests A Bold, Unconventional Direction

Charli XCX’s casting as Jadis the White Witch would suggest a bold, unconventional direction for Greta Gerwig’s Narnia, just as producer Amy Pascal has teased. While her acting experience is limited, the singer’s commanding stage presence and musical prowess could reimagine the villain with an edgier, rock-and-roll-infused persona. If Gerwig’s Narnia does incorporate some musical elements and Charli XCX is cast, it would suggest a daring and more modernized take on the timeless fantasy series.

Source: ᴅᴇᴀᴅline