The news that Meryl Streep is in talks about voice acting Aslan in Greta Gerwig’s The Chronicles of Narnia remake has caused concern among those who love C.S. Lewis’ source material. After the disappointing recent Snow White live action movie, it is natural that viewers would be alarmed about Gerwig tarnishing the franchise’s legacy. This is especially concerning because Netflix have eight movies planned.
While some changes help an adaptation to distinguish itself from the Narnia books, a change like this would alienate a key portion of the movie’s viewership. The reported conversations’ addition to everything we know about Gerwig’s Narnia do not necessarily mean Aslan will be female, but even the prospect has angered readers for reasons that go beyond its adaptive merits, but rather the original text’s religious allusions.
Alongside Aslan’s Name, The Lion’s Mane Connects Him To The Rising Sun
Aslan’s Iconography Connects Him To The Sun’s Rays
Aslan’s name is of Turkish origin and simply means “lion”, but the explicit link to Jesus Christ comes from the intentions of C.S. Lewis himself. In The Collected Letters of C.S. Lewis, Vol. III, he states, “I found the name [Aslan]…it is the Turkish for Lion. […] And of course it meant the Lion of Judah.” This highlights the overt Christian symbolism in The Chronicles of Narnia series. Aslan is at the heart of the series, and his mane is a key piece of Narnia’s visual iconography.
Iconographically, Aslan’s mane resembles the rays of the rising sun, connecting to Jesus Christ. Revelation 5:5 refers to Jesus as “the Lion of the tribe of Judah,” signifying Jesus’ triumph over death in the Holy Bible. Simultaneously, the rising sun is often used to symbolize the resurrection. Aslan’s resurrection clearly parallels Christ and is a key moment in giving hope back to Narnia. His mane is an important part of this, which is accentuated by the phrase, “when he shakes his mane, we shall have spring again,” in a poem about Aslan in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.
The Chronicles Of Narnia Conveys Aslan’s Power & Role Through His Mane
Aslan’s Mane Contains Magic And Majesty
Aslan’s mane is an important part of his majesty. Nothing conveys this more than the part of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe when the White Witch demands that he be shaved. This makes Aslan look vulnerable and small, adding to the suffering of his sacrifice. In the book, his mane is part of what inspires awe, much like the divine – “For when they tried to look at Aslan’s face they just caught a glimpse of the golden mane and the great, royal, solemn, overwhelming eyes; and they found they couldn’t look at him and went all trembly.”
Lewis presents his Christ figure using the image of the lion that elicits a strong emotional response…
By doing this, Lewis presents his Christ figure using the image of the lion that elicits a strong emotional response. Lions are almost universally revered and respected, especially in Europe, where they have historically been a key image in heraldry. This makes the image well-known and traditional, emphasizing Aslan’s power as king of the beasts. It makes him a being significant enough to end the long winter in Narnia as a clear force of good. He is the leader of the pride, symbolizing bravery and prowess. This is why when he is resurrected, his glorious mane is restored.
Greta Gerwig’s Chronicles Of Narnia Remake Can’t Forgo This Important Aslan Detail
Voice Acting Is One Thing, But Stripping His Mane Would Alienate Audiences
Meryl Streep is reportedly in talks about voicing Aslan in Greta Gerwig’s Chronicles of Narnia remake. Gerwig’s radical casting has caused some concern among readers that she will not honor the true form of Aslan. However, Streep voicing Aslan does not necessarily mean he will appear as a lioness. If Gerwig made this decision, it would eliminate the powerful mane shaving scene, which is an emotional moment for audiences. Not only this, but making such a significant change would undermine the religious allegory of the original text.
Greta Gerwig has made a big impact on audiences with her feminist messaging, but in the case of Narnia, changing Aslan’s gender in The Chronicles of Narnia would seem nonsensical and crᴀss to many viewers. While it is true that it’s a fantasy movie and making some changes keeps adaptations interesting, the religious story is inseparable from Narnia. If Gerwig were to have Aslan as a lioness, she would need to draw on figures from other religions, like Sekhmet of ancient Egypt, for instance. However, this would dismantle the imagery that has made the franchise iconic in the fantasy genre.
The Chronicles of Narnia
- Created by
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C.S. Lewis
- First Film
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The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
- Latest Film
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The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader
- First TV Show
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The Chronicles of Narnia
- First Episode Air Date
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November 13, 1988
Summary
The Chronicles of Narnia is a fantasy franchise based on the seven-book series written by C.S. Lewis between 1950 and 1956. The series is set in the magical world of Narnia, where children from our world are transported to fulfill prophecies, battle evil forces, and restore peace under the guidance of Aslan, a mystical lion. The franchise has seen multiple adaptations, including a BBC television series in the late 1980s, three major Hollywood films between 2005 and 2010, and an upcoming reboot by Netflix, which has generated significant anticipation. The franchise is beloved for its rich allegorical storytelling, blending Christian themes with epic fantasy elements.
