Greta Gerwig’s The Chronicles of Narnia
movie is reportedly eying Meryl Streep for the role of Aslan. Based on the book series by author C. S. Lewis, the first live-action Narnia movie, subтιтled The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe was released in 2005, with two sequels following. Liam Neeson voiced Aslan the Great Lion in the trilogy, with the creature serving as a God-like figure in the world of Narnia. Gerwig’s Chronicles of Narnia movie is a Netflix production, with the film reportedly adapting Lewis’ prequel novel, The Magician’s Nephew, which chronicles the creation of Narnia.
Originally reported by Nexus Point News and later corroborated by ᴅᴇᴀᴅline, Streep is said to be in talks to play the franchise’s wise lion, Aslan, in the Netflix Narnia film. The latter publication adds an additional detail from its own sources, claiming that Streep has not yet formally been given an offer for the role. Nexux Point News reports that Streep’s Aslan would be female in the movie, gender-swapping the character from the books.
The Nexus Point News report also repeats claims that the movie will be an adaptation of The Magician’s Nephew, though it should be noted that this hasn’t yet been officially confirmed. Filming on the adaptation is reportedly set to get underway at some point this year.
What This Means For Gerwig’s Chronicles Of Narnia Movie
Meryl Streep Isn’t The Only Big Name Eyed To Star
Streep is widely considered one of the best actors in Hollywood. She has won three Oscars throughout her career and has been nominated for 21 more, and she is best known for movies like The Post (2017), August: Osage County (2013), Doubt (2007), The Devil Wears Prada (2006), and The Deer Hunter (1978), among many other тιтles. If she is cast as a gender-swapped Aslan in Netflix’s Narnia movie, this will mark the first feature film adaptation of Lewis’ work to make this change.
Streep, if she ends up coming aboard the Gerwig film, could be joining some major names. The Magician’s Nephew follows characters Digory Kirke and Polly Plummer as they discover the magical world of Narnia through the magic of Digory’s uncle, Andrew. ᴅᴇᴀᴅline previously reported that Daniel Craig is being eyed for the role of Andrew, while pop star Charli XCX could play Jadis, a character who eventually becomes The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe‘s central antagonist, the White Witch.
Tilda Swinton previously played the White Witch in The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe and reprised her role for both Prince Caspian (2008) and the final installment, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (2010).
Our Take On Meryl Streep’s Potential Aslan Casting
Gerwig’s Adaptation Could Rejuvenate The Franchise
Though Streep’s casting as Aslan isn’t confirmed until it’s confirmed, it would be an exciting development for the next adaptation of The Chronicles of Narnia. After the mᴀssive success of her acclaimed Barbie (2023), Gerwig has certainly proven herself a filmmaker capable and worthy of putting her own unique spin on existing IP, and gender-swapping Aslan with an Oscar-winning star could be just the move to inject fresh life into the franchise.
Neeson’s voice acting as Aslan was a highlight of the Chronicles of Narnia trilogy, and, for many, his could be the definitive take on the character. It’s now been 15 years since that trilogy concluded with The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, though, and now could be the perfect time to introduce a new take on the character. With production reportedly getting underway this year, it’s likely that more news regarding Gerwig’s The Chroncles of Narnia movie isn’t far off.
Source: Nexus Point News, ᴅᴇᴀᴅline
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.
