One scene from Disney’sThe Chronicles of Narniamovies will be difficult to surpass in Greta Gerwig’s reboot.Disney’sNarniamoviesadaptedThe Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobein 2005, followed byPrince Caspianin 2008, andThe Voyage of the Dawn Treaderin 2010.The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobemovie was largely well-received, but its sequels,Prince CaspianandThe Voyage of the Dawn Treader, did not fare as well when it came to the reception from critics and general audiences.
After Netflix acquired the rights in 2018,The Chronicles of Narniabooksare now being adapted for the streaming platform and for a limited theatrical release.Greta Gerwig’sNarniamovies are highly anticipated, especially after she directed and co-wroteBarbie, which became a massive critical and commercial success.Gerwig’s take on C.S. Lewis' classic fantasy books can improve on Disney’s movies, but this will be challenging for a particular scene.
The Battle Of Beruna Is The Best Scene From Disney’s Narnia Movies
It Still Holds Up 20 Years Later
The best scene in Disney’sNarniamovies is the First Battle of Beruna, which is the climactic battle inThe Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. When released in 2005, Disney was clearly trying to rivalThe Lord of the Ringsand other recent fantasy movies by delivering an epic battle sequence. While the Battle of Beruna is not on par with aLord of the Ringsbattle, it is executed incredibly well on a narrative and technical level that makes it the highlight of Disney’sNarniamovies.
How Every Major Character’s Story Ends In The Chronicles Of Narnia Books
Most everyone knows how the story begins for the characters of The Chronicles of Narnia, but their ending has yet to ever be brought to the screen.
The movie doesa fantastic job expanding on the details about the battle in Lewis' source material. The cinematography, the music, and the shooting location in New Zealand all contribute to creating the scale and high stakes that bring the battle to life. 20 years later, the battle still holds up, and it is just as thrilling to watch the supporters of Aslan fighting against the White Witch’s army. The many types of animals in the battle are also seamlessly incorporated alongside the human characters. It will be difficult forGreta Gerwig’s moviesto do the Battle of Beruna as effectively.
Greta Gerwig’s Narnia Movies' IMAX Plan Bodes Well For It Beating Disney’s Franchise
The First Movie Will Have A Two-Week IMAX Release
Even though Disney set a high bar for the Battle of Beruna, the confirmedIMAX release for Greta Gerwig’s first Narnia movieis a promising sign. Despite being a Netflix movie, the movie will play in approximately 1,000 IMAX theaters worldwide for a two-week window beginning on Thanksgiving Day in 2026. Having the movie released globally and exclusively on IMAX screens for two weekssuggests a high level of quality and scale that could do justice to the Battle of Beruna.
Even ifThe Magician’s Nephewis Gerwig’s firstNarniamovie, if it performs well in IMAX theaters,The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobewill probably get an IMAX release as well, which will be the perfect opportunity to show off the Battle of Beruna.
It is important to keep in mind that Gerwig’s firstNarniamovie is not confirmed to beThe Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. The first movie may instead adaptThe Magician’s Nephew, which was published afterThe Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, but it is a prequel set earlier in the chronological timeline. Even ifThe Magician’s Nephewis Gerwig’s firstNarniamovie, if it performs well in IMAX theaters,The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobewill probably get an IMAX release as well, which will be the perfect opportunity to show off the Battle of Beruna.
Gerwig’s Chronicles Of Narnia Movies Can Succeed Where Disney Didn’t
Disney’s Franchise Ended Prematurely
While the Battle of Beruna is a high point for Disney’sNarniamovies, they struggle in other areas that Gerwig’s reboot can improve on.The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobeis an overall strong adaptation, although it has the benefit of adapting arguably thebestNarniabook. Prince Caspian andThe Voyage of the Dawn Treaderare not as successful at adapting their respective source material. Questionable decisions were made, including forcing a romance between Prince Caspian and Susan Pevensie that is not in the books.
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
The Horse and His Boy
The Silver Chair
The Last Battle
In general, Disney’sNarniamovies lack the sense of joy and wonder that is present in the books and the land of Narnia does not feel as magical or awe-inspiring as it is intended to be. Gerwig’s movies can fix this and ensure that the story becomes a full-fledged, long-running franchise that does not end prematurely. FromLittle WomentoBarbie,Gerwig’s creative vision is consistently received well, and withLittle Women, she has proven how adept she is at adapting beloved literature. This is poised to continue with her direction forThe Chronicles of Narniamovies.
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.
