Greta Gerwig’sChronicles of Narniaadaptation is one of the most exciting fantasy projects coming down the pike, anda new hint about its timeline makes it even more so. While theBarbiedirector is slated to make at least twoNarniafilms for Netflix, little is known about either. There have beenreports that Gerwig is pursuing a theatrical releasefor the films, but that’s about all that’s come out. It’s unclear which of theChronicles of Narniabookswill be adapted, and confirmed casting news has yet to surface, though there have been rumors.
Some whispers indicate that Jason Isaacs could be involved with the project, and his latestcomments about Netflix’sNarniaremakesuggest he could have insider knowledge. From what Isaacs toldThe Week,Gerwig is adaptingThe Magician’s Nephew. While this isn’t confirmed by Gerwig or the streamer itself, this development is a long time coming. C.S. Lewis' prequel book is the perfect place to start aNarniaremake, and if Isaacs is correct, it makesthe upcomingNarniaprojectan even bigger deal.
Jason Isaacs' Narnia Comments Mean An Exciting First For The Franchise
The Magician’s Nephew Has Never Been Adapted Before
Assuming Isaacs' comments are accurate, Gerwig’sNarniaadaptation will mark an exciting first for the franchise.It will be the first timeThe Magician’s Nephewis brought to the screen, as Disney’s film series never got the chance to tackle the 1955 novel.The Magician’s Nephewwas reportedly meant to follow 2010’sVoyage of the Dawn Treader(viaThe Christian Post).However,Disney’sNarniaseries endingearly upended that plan. Netflix has the opportunity to finally see an adaptation of the prequel book to fruition, beginning its ownNarniaseries in a unique manner.
All 7 Narnia Books, Ranked By How Badly We Want Netflix To Adapt Them
Greta Gerwig’s upcoming adaptations of the Chronicles of Narnia series are sure to be hits, but readers are desperate to see some more than others.
Starting Netflix’sNarniareboot withThe Magician’s Nephewis infinitely more exciting than retreading familiar territory, and it will deliver on something fans of Lewis' books have been waiting for. It will also add context to the Pevensies' adventures in Narnia. By adaptingThe Magician’s Nephew,Gerwig can dig deeper into the series' lore— and potentially even expand on what’s outlined in Lewis' books.
Greta Gerwig’s Narnia Prequel Can Finally Expand On The Books' Lore
The Magician’s Nephew Explores Narnia’s Background
BecauseThe Magician’s Nephewfunctions as a prequel to the otherNarniabooks, it’s able to expand on the fantasy world’s background. The book explores Narnia’s creation, and it reveals how major elements of the main story — like the iconic lamppost and the White Witch — came to be there. Needless to say, it’s a necessary addition to the series, which is relatively light on lore even withThe Magician’s Nephew.Introducing the history of Narnia will lay a solid foundation for Gerwig and Netflix to build on, assuming they intend to adapt all of Lewis' books.
While diverging from the books tends to be controversial for screen adaptations, this is a rare case where it could improve on them.
The prequel film will shed light on some unanswered questions from theNarniamovies, especially for viewers who aren’t familiar with the books. However, it could also take things further, expanding on Lewis' lore and explaining elements of Narnia and its magic that aren’t touched on in the source material. While diverging from the books tends to be controversial for screen adaptations, this is a rare case where it could improve on them. There are even parts ofThe Magicians Nephewthat could be elaborated on, like Mrs. Lefay’s backstory.
Netflix’s Narnia Remake Being A Prequel Will Help It Stand Out From The Disney Movies
In addition to opening the door to explore the lore surrounding Narnia further, adaptingThe Magician’s Nephewis exciting becauseit sets the Netflix remake apart from the Disney movies. It’s unclear how manyNarniamovies Netflix is planning, but it’s nice to know that the streamer won’t just rehash the same stories with different actors. By kicking off with a prequel narrative set before the Pevensies' story, the Netflix reboot is already proving it wants to do something fresh and different with the series.
The Perfect Susan Pevensie Actor For Greta Gerwig’s Narnia Remake Already Aged Out Of The Role
Now that Greta Gerwig is developing the Chronicles of Narnia remake, many have thoughts about the movie’s casting, yet one actress is already too old.
Netflix may still return to beloved books likeThe Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe,Prince Caspian,andVoyage of the Dawn Treadersafter the fact, but it will be from a stronger foundation thanks to its prequel film. And if it marks a franchise first by tacklingThe Magician’s Nephew,the streamer may also approach those stories from more unique angles. Needless to say, Isaacs' tease is a refreshing sign for Gerwig’s upcomingChronicles of Narniamovies. Hopefully, either the director or Netflix confirm his timeline tease soon.
The Chronicles of Narnia
The Chronicles of Narniais 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.
