24 apr 2025

The Chronicles of Narnia: what can we expect from Greta Gerwig’s new films?

Following the global sensation of Barbie last year, American filmmaker Greta Gerwig is set to direct two new films based on The Chronicles of Narnia. Slated for a 2026 release in cinemas and on Netflix, these ambitious projects may feature actress Saoirse Ronan and singer Charli XCX.

  • by Erwann Chevalier.

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

    Trailer for The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (2010).

    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 film 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.


    Rumors suggest that Gerwig’s frequent collaborator, Saoirse Ronan (Lady Bird, The Outrun), may take on a leading role, though this remains unconfirmed. Talks are also allegedly underway with Meryl Streep and Daniel Craig to play Aslan and Uncle Andrew, respectively.


    Charli XCX and Margaret Qualley to be cast as villains?

    Three women are reportedly in contention for the role of Janis, the White Witch: Margaret Qualley (The Substance), Emma Mackey (Sex Education), and Charli XCX, the artist behind the cultural phenomenon “Brat Summer.” Whoever is chosen will follow in the footsteps of Tilda Swinton, who portrayed the character two decades ago. There are also whispers that Oscar-winning actress Mikey Madison (Anora) may appear in the cast.


    Contrarily, Deadline reports that Louis Partridge (Enola Holmes) is no longer attached to the project. Filming is expected to begin in 2025. While much remains shrouded in mystery, Gerwig commented in The New York Times in July 2024: “I haven’t even begun to immerse myself in it. But I’m genuinely terrified, which feels like a good place to start.”


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