Original Narnia actor Ben Barnes reacts to Greta Gerwig’s new franchise reboot. Barnes played Prince Caspian in Disney’s adaptation of the C.S. Lewis book series, beginning in 2008 with The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian. The actor later reprised this role in The Voyage of the Dawn Treader.

Barbie director Gerwig is now in the process of developing her own version of the Chronicles of Narnia franchise for Netflix. Instead of beginning with The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, Gerwig is choosing to start her adaptations with The Magician’s Nephew. This film is scheduled for release in 2026. She is slated for two Narnia movies overall.

Per Variety, Barnes has reacted to the new Narnia movies. The actor noted that there is “no end to the ways” works of “classic literature” like The Chronicles of Narnia can be adapted.

He sees The Chronicles of Narnia as fundamentally “stories about hope and goodness and faith.” He is fascinated to see how Gerwig will interpret these concepts, and is “thrilled” that Narnia will be made again. Check out the full quote from Barnes below:

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 one, some fantasy 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.

What This Means For Gerwig’s Narnia Movies

It Is Good To Have A Former Star’s Blessing

Though they got mixed reviews at some points, the Disney versions of the three Narnia books are beloved to many. They were emblematic of a time when high fantasy could rule on the big screen and enchant viewers of all ages. As such, it will be hard for some people to see past these character portrayals.

This makes the blessings of the original cast members all the more important. Barnes’ words show that not only do the movies have the approval of the former cast members, but they are even embraced by some. He is not indifferent towards Gerwig’s adaptations, but excited about them.

Prince Caspian is not expected to be in Gerwig’s first Narnia movie, as he is not in The Magician‘s Nephew. However, when Netflix eventually includes the character, even without Gerwig’s direction, it will be interesting to see if Barnes supports the actor who ends up playing him.

Our Take On Ben Barnes’ Narnia Opinion

He Brings Up A Key Point That Will Influence These Movies’ Quality

In addition to giving his general support for Narnia, Barnes brings up one key point: the need to keep the story fresh. I think this will be the biggest test for Gerwig as she attempts to address “a new generation.” As a story, Narnia is both timeless and antiquated.

That is to say that Gerwig will have to walk the line between honoring Lewis’ original text and modernizing it when necessary. Narnia is also a story deeply rooted in religion, but has universally applicable themes that apply secularly as well. It has some great source material to adapt, but it has to stay fresh in order to succeed.

Source: Variety