C.S. Lewis’s Narnia novels are among the most beloved children’s books of all time. The first of these fantasy novels was The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, which was published in 1950. The author then penned six more Narnia books, which were released in consecutive years, making for a seven-book series in total. Three of these novels have been developed into films in 2005, 2008, and 2010. In July 2023, it was announced that Barbie director Greta Gerwig would be making her own version of the Narnia movies. She currently has a two-film deal with Netflix.

Gerwig’s first Narnia movie got major news recently. It was confirmed that this first movie would adapt the book The Magician’s Nephew. Published in 1955, The Magician’s Nephew is the sixth book in the Chronicles of Narnia series as per release order. Starting out the adaptation with this book is important in the fantasy universe, as it breaks a long-held tradition.

Greta Gerwig’s Narnia Movies Won’t Begin With The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe

This Goes Against Previous Adaptations

The most shocking part of the recent Narnia announcement is that it confirms that Gerwig’s series will not begin with The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. This decision goes against what was previously expected, as The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe was the first Narnia novel put out in terms of release order. While The Magician’s Nephew is a prequel that addresses Aslan’s creation of the world and Digory Kirke’s origins, the 1950 novel is considered the best introduction to the world of Narnia.

It is for this reason that the other two major Narnia adaptations ended up starting with The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. Disney did so when they released their first Narnia movie in 2005. In fact, that studio only put out three movies and went in terms of release order, so they never reached The Magician’s Nephew. BBC also released a TV series adaptation of Lewis’ books in the late ’80s and began with The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. So, Gerwig’s version will be the first to go against this trend.

C.S. Lewis Would Actually Agree With The Magician’s Nephew Being First

But Many Scholar’s Feel Differently

While the choice to start with The Magician’s Nephew may be unusual, it is one that the novel’s late author might agree with. As per the official C.S. Lewis website, when the author was questioned about the best order to read the books, he suggested that readers do so in chronological order, aligning with the events of the stories. This would put The Magician’s Nephew first, and see it followed by The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.

This same source also notes, however, that the way to read the Narnia books is highly divisive. Because of the author’s statement, the books were at one point re-numbered by some publishers, meaning that book buyers could get editions that were labeled based on the chronological, rather than original published order. Still, many scholars advocate reading them in their original order. Lewis never explicitly said that reading the books chronologically was “better,” just that it might make it easier for readers.

Gerwig Is Right To Begin With The Magician’s Nephew Over The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe

Even If It Is Risky

Despite the controversy surrounding the release order, Gerwig made the right decision by breaking the 75-year-held tradition regarding the publishing order. This is not to say that starting with The Magician’s Nephew is not without its risks. The book is far lesser known and arguably has a weaker story than many of the other novels. That said, the fact that the story is not as adapted makes it such that Gerwig’s Narnia is going in a far different direction than previous adaptations.

Her first Narnia movie is staying truer to the narrative story arc, and this could be a great thing for the franchise. Gerwig has continually ᴀsserted how pᴀssionate she is about the source material, and taking a chronological approach is one good way to make a faithful adaptation. Making The Magician’s Nephew first could also be a good way to build up anticipation for The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, giving even more runway to what will inevitably be the second film in Gerwig’s budding franchise.

Source: C.S. Lewis website

The Chronicles of Narnia

Created by

C.S. Lewis

First Film

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

Latest Film

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader

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.

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