The Chronicles of Narnia is a classic of a book series, and the unconventional casting of Aslan in Greta Gerwig’s movies is argued to not be honoring this. C.S. Lewis is closely ᴀssociated with other authors in the Inkling group, such as J.R.R. Tolkien, and thus can be considered one of the most important figures in high fantasy. That’s why it’s crucial that the Chronicles of Narnia books are adapted correctly. Radically, Gerwig may cast Meryl Streep as Aslan. This is exciting in many ways, but shouldn’t endanger the story’s key meaning.

Directed by Andrew Adamson and Michael Apted, the Chronicles of Narnia movies were released between 2005 and 2010, bringing Lewis’ books to a wider global audience. There is a lot to be said for these movies, but they are flawed, as well. Gerwig offers the story another sH๏τ at manifestation on-screen, with her set to adapt the books for Netflix. Aslan is one of the most memorable and important elements of the children’s novels, and his imagery is a big part of that. Gerwig’s surprising casting choice must respect this.

Aslan’s Mane Is A Key Part Of Narnia Iconography

Aslan’s Mane Is Symbolic In The Chronicles Of Narnia

Aslan is highly symbolic in the Narnia books, so the representation of his mane in the new movies matters. The Chronicles of Narnia movies ended early, so they didn’t get a chance to express every connotation of Aslan’s mane, but it is hoped that Greta Gerwig’s movies will get further than the last series. If they do, they can bring Lewis’ story to its conclusion and, therefore, deliver the full and majestic symbolism intended for Aslan. Voiced by Liam Neeson in the previous movies, Aslan was impactful on screens before and should be again.

The visual iconography of Narnia is complex, but it partially hinges on the concept of sailing east toward Aslan’s Country and the rising sun. This imagery really comes into play in The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, Lewis’s 1952 novel and the third in his Narnia series. The Narnia movies made in the 2000s got as far as the third installment, adapting this book. The source material and movie both seemed to emphasize how Aslan’s mane equates him to the sun, which rises in the East. Aslan’s sun-like appearance symbolizes his life-giving importance.

Aslan’s Mane Is Important In Narnia’s Story

Aslan’s Mane Has Narrative Significance In The Narnia Books

Aslan’s mane is critical in the Narnia books, the movies made before, and the movies that Gerwig will make. That’s part of why having Meryl Streep as the voice actor for Aslan rubs some people up the wrong way. A female voice actor for a typically male role risks removing Aslan’s mane, as the character may now be a lioness. But Aslan’s mane should stay in Gerwig’s movies, and not just because it makes Aslan look like the burning sun, giving his world its sustenance. Aslan’s mane is symbolic of his power and pride, pride being dignity, and also a group of lions led by an alpha.

While a lion’s mane is representative of his masculinity, to a certain extent, it is most fully an expression of his strength and ability to protect his family. That’s what makes it so powerful when the White Witch sees to it that Aslan’s mane is sheared off in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. Greta Gerwig’s Narnia movies have to capture this effect, or else they will lose some of what made the books so special. The White Witch humiliates Aslan by removing his mane, intending to prove her power over him and his defeat.

It’s Easy For The Narnia Reboot To Keep Aslan’s Mane, Even With Meryl Streep

Streep Doesn’t Necessarily Threaten Narnia’s Symbology

Previous Narnia adaptations have failed in many ways, despite their many successes, but Gerwig’s movies shouldn’t be written off just because of who may play Aslan. This intriguing casting choice may worry some Narnia fans, as a female voice actor implies that Aslan may be given a female presentation, and female lions obviously have no manes. Aslan having no mane would destroy the complex imagery around the cosmos, gender, and power that Lewis set up — masculinity has a link to leadership in the story.

However, even if the talks with Streep’s agents do result in her casting, Aslan can still manifest the same symbolism. Streep could easily voice a male lion with a mane in Gerwig’s Narnia movies. Streep has a deep timbre to her voice, increasingly in the last few years, and she could distort it further for the screen. It’s also not as if a female lion with a mane would be the most out-of-place thing in a fantasy movie.

Depending on how far Gerwig gets into the Narnia timeline, Aslan’s mane will play just as major a role in her movies as it did in the books. Streep, though a wild card, could be the “X factor” needed to propel the movies into their own unique stardom. The new series will have to stand out from previous attempts, otherwise, they will fade into the background, failing to attract the high viewership they need to continue. It looks like The Chronicles of Narnia movies coming up won’t shy away from controversial decisions, which could be just what they need.