An update for Greta Gerwig’sNarniamovie confirms which book is being adapted as an Oscar-nominated star joins the cast. Netflix’sNarniamovie has been in development as early as 2018, with theBarbiedirector being brought on board in 2020. Now,Greta Gerwig’sNarniamovieis currently deep into the casting stage, with its star-studded ensemble already reportedly including Daniel Craig, Emma Mackey as Jadis the White Witch, and Meryl Streep as the voice of the talking lion Aslan.
Now, according toThe Hollywood Reporter,Carey Mulligan has been cast in Gerwig’sNarniamovie as Digory’s mother. This confirms that the movie is adapting the sixth novel in theNarniaseries,The Magician’s Nephew. Mulligan is currently in negotiations for the role, so it doesn’t appear to be a done deal quite yet.
What This Means For Greta Gerwig’s Narnia Movie
Everything That Was Revealed
Published in 1955,The Magician’s Nephewserves as a prequelto theNarniaseries, revealing the origins of the magical world, including how Aslan brought it into existence and how evil first entered into it. Taking place in the year 1900, the story follows a 12-year-old Digory Kirke and his friend Polly Plummer as they explore various worlds using magical rings crafted by Digory’s uncle. In the crumbling world of Charn, they accidentally awaken Queen Jadis, who later becomes the White Witch, and one of the worlds they reach is the newly forming Narnia.
Mulligan will play the role of Digory’s sick mother, Mabel. With Gerwig’sNarniamovie adaptingThe Magician’s Nephew, it has also been revealed thatDaniel Craig is reportedly playing Digory’s uncle, Andrew. With several major stars attached, the movie will now shift its focus to searching for its younger lead actors to play Digory Kirke and Polly Plummer.
Our Take On Greta Gerwig’s Narnia Movie Update
Why They’re Smart Moves
AdaptingThe Magician’s Nephewis a smart movethat will set Greta Gerwig’sNarniaapart. The previousNarniamovieshave already adapted the first three books in the series –The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe,Prince Caspian, andThe Voyage of the Dawn Treader. By adaptingThe Magician’s Nephew, which hasn’t been brought to the screen before, Gerwig’s film won’t risk feeling like a rehash and will offer audiences something new.
Gerwig’sNarniamovie will have a two-week IMAX release in late 2026.
Casting Carey Mulligan is also a smart move for Gerwig’sNarniamovie.It’s difficult to go wrong with a three-time Oscar nominee, having been recognized forMaestro,Promising Young Woman, andAn Education. Mulligan’s casting continues to hint at Gerwig’s intention to ground the fantasy in heartfelt drama. The Oscar nominee’s nuanced performance could elevate Mabel’s tragic arc, making theNarniaprequel story all the more resonant and compelling for audiences.
