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Greta Gerwig fans, prepare yourself. The Barbie director's next project is fast approaching, and we're all kinds of excited.
So, what is this new project that is guaranteed to be our obsession for the next few years? Well, Greta is set to write and direct a remake of The Chronicles of Narnia for Netflix.
While we wait for the moment we get to rediscover the magical land of Narnia, we did some serious digging into the remake. Here's everything you need to know (think: cast, release date and trailer) about Greta Gerwig's Narnia adaption...
When was Greta Gerwig's Narnia reboot confirmed?
On 2 July 2023, it was confirmed by The New Yorker that Greta would be directing and writing at least two films based on The Chronicles of Narnia books for Netflix.
The Chronicles of Narnia is a series of seven children's books by C.S. Lewis, and has previously been adapted numerous times for stage and screen, with the most recent adaptation being the three Disney movies: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Prince Caspian and Voyage of the Dawn Treader.
In 2018, it was confirmed Netflix had acquired the rights to new films and TV shows of the Narnia series.
What has Greta Gerwig said about the new Narnia films?
Whilst speaking on the Total Film Podcast, Greta said she was "scared" and "excited" to begin working on the adaptation.
"I haven't even really started wrapping my arms around it, but I’m properly scared of it, which feels like a good place to start," Greta said at the time. "I think when I'm scared, it's always a good sign. Maybe when I stop being scared, it'll be like, 'Maybe I shouldn't do that one.' No, I'm terrified of it. It's extraordinary. And it's exciting."
Which Narnia book is being remade first?
According to Variety, Greta is first adapting the sixth novel of the Narnia series: The Magician's Nephew.
The Magician's Nephew tells the story of two children, neighbours Digory and Polly, who discover magical rings that transport them to different worlds, including the dying world of Charn. It's in Charn that they accidentally awaken the evil Queen Jadis (AKA The White Witch). Digory and Polly's following adventures lead them to witness the creation of Narnia by the lion, Aslan, setting the stage for the later events of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.
Who will star in Greta Gerwig's Narnia remake?
So far, only one cast member is confirmed for Greta's Narnia remake. Drumroll, please...
Per The Hollywood Reporter, Sex Education's Emma Mackey – who already worked with Greta on the Barbie movie – will take on the iconic role of The White Witch, who is the primary antagonist of the Narnia series. The role was previously played by Tilda Swinton in the series of Disney adaptions that most of us will be familiar with.
Who else is rumoured to be in Greta Gerwig's Narnia remake?
As mentioned, so far no other cast members have been confirmed for Greta's Narnia series – but there are plenty of rumours.
Meryl Streep is apparently in negotiations to voice Aslan (the talking lion who serves as Narnia's guardian), a role which was previously portrayed by Taken's Liam Neeson.
As for Mr Tumnus, many fans are hoping that role will be taken on by Timothée Chalamet. In the 2005 Disney film, the faun was played by James McAvoy.
When will Greta Gerwig's Narnia remake be released?
In the same article confirming Emma's casting as The White Witch, The Hollywood Reporter revealed the release date of the much-anticipated Narnia remake.
In a rare move for the streaming giant, Netflix is giving Narnia a two-week cinema run (specifically: IMAX) before it is available on it's platform. According to the publication, Greta pushed for the film to have such a theatrical release – which we reckon means the remake's visuals will truly be something else.
Rumours suggest the cinema debut will take place on Thanksgiving next year (26 November 2026), with the remake arriving on Netflix ready to stream over the Christmas period.
We! Can't! Wait!
