The Chronicles of Narnia: what to expect from Greta Gerwig’s adaptation?

by Erwann Chevalier.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AON1-Ox-Llc

Nothing seems to slow Greta Gerwig’s meteoric rise in the film industry. After the acclaimed Lady Bird (2018), Little Women (2020), and Barbie (2023) starring Margot Robbie, the 41-year-old American actress and director now turns her attention to the fantastical world of C.S. Lewis’s beloved literary saga, The Chronicles of Narnia.

The Chronicles of Narnia: Greta Gerwig’s bold new projects

Over a decade since the last Narnia film (The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, 2010), and following the cancellation of The Silver Chair, the franchise will return with a new life. Netflix acquired the rights in 2018 and now plans to bring Narnia to both streaming and cinema screens in December 2026. Fans can look forward to the return of familiar characters like the gentle faun Mr. Tumnus, the majestic lion Aslan, and the four Pevensie siblings: Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy.

Casting Rumors: Saoirse Ronan and Meryl Streep?

In collaboration with Matthew Aldrich, co-writer of Pixar’s Coco (2017), Greta Gerwig is reportedly working with a $200 million budget for the adaptations. According to Bloomberg, she is set to direct two films, described as reboots of the original saga.

Rumor has it that Greta Gerwig’s favourite collaborator, Saoirse Ronan (Lady Bird, The Outrun), will take on a leading role. However, nothing has been confirmed yet. However, actors Meryl Streep and Daniel Craig have joined the cast of these adaptations, in the respective roles of the lion Aslan and Uncle Andrew. Finally, Carey Mulligan (Promising Young Woman) is reportedly in talks to join the Narnia cast.

Emma Mackey will play a witch

After much speculation, the cast of The Chronicles of Narnia is finally taking shape. It is now confirmed that Franco-British actress Emma Mackey will appear in this reboot. After starring in the blockbuster Barbie (2023), she reunites with Greta Gerwig in the role of Jadis the White Witch, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The actress, who first rose to fame in the series Sex Education, thus follows in Tilda Swinton‘s footsteps, who portrayed the same character twenty years earlier.

This announcement puts an end to multiple rumours. Indeed, actress Margaret Qualley (The Substance), as well as singer and “Brat Summer” instigator Charli xcx were both said to have been approached to play as White Witch. Other rumours suggested that Mikey Madison, the Oscar-winning actress from Anora, may also appear in the credits of Narnia.

A story set in the 1950s?

However, actor Louis Partridge (Enola Holmes), initially announced by Deadline, will no longer be part of the line-up. While the director had mentioned in a New York Times interview from July 2024 that she had “not yet started to immerse herself” in the project, it now seems that the wait is over. The filming on Narnia began in London on August 11th, 2025. Early images from the set suggest that the film will be set in the 1950s. A creative liberty taken by Greta Gerwig compared to the original Narnia novel, which is set in the late 19th century.

From Barbie to Narnia, Greta Gerwig’s cinematic power

Since its July 2023 release, Barbie has catapulted Gerwig into the ranks of Hollywood’s most successful directors. The film grossed over $1 billion worldwide in just a month, making her the first woman to cross that box office milestone. Co-produced by Margot Robbie, the blockbuster sparked a cultural wave dubbed “Barbiecore.” Will Gerwig spark another phenomenon as she revives the thrilling tales of Narnia?

The films The Chronicles of Narnia by Greta Gerwig are expected to premiere in 2026, both on Netflix and in theaters.