The magic of Narnia is coming alive in the heart of London as director Greta Gerwig continues filming her highly anticipated Netflix adaptation of C.S. Lewis’s “The Magician’s Nephew.” Fresh behind-the-scenes photographs have emerged showing the ambitious production taking over iconic London locations, marking a significant milestone in bringing the beloved fantasy series back to screens.
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Greta Gerwig Filming Locations & Scale of Production
The latest filming sessions took place in central London, including around the Robert Clive statue in Whitehall and extending through Westminster, with over 100 extras participating in the elaborate sequences. Earlier shoots captured 1950s street scenes near Cornhill and the Royal Exchange, depicting post-war reconstruction-era London, perfectly setting the stage for this prequel story.
The production has been strategically moving between multiple UK locations, with primary filming based at Shepperton Studios in Surrey alongside various London location shoots. Recent reports indicate the team has expanded filming to Manchester, showcasing the scope of this ambitious adaptation.
| Production Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Director | Greta Gerwig |
| Book Adaptation | The Magician’s Nephew |
| Streaming Platform | Netflix |
| Primary Studio | Shepperton Studios, Surrey |
| Key Locations | London (Whitehall, Westminster, Cornhill) |
| Production Start | August 11, 2025 |
| Cinematographer | Seamus McGarvey |
| Film Format | 35mm VistaVision |
Star-Studded Cast Takes Shape
The casting reveals have been equally exciting, with Emma Mackey confirmed as The White Witch, alongside Daniel Craig and Carey Mulligan in key roles. Recent set photos show two young actors believed to be playing Digory Kirke and Polly Plummer, following an extensive casting search. Industry rumors suggest Meryl Streep might voice the iconic Aslan, though this remains unconfirmed.
The choice of “The Magician’s Nephew” as the starting point is particularly intriguing, as it serves as the chronological beginning of the Narnia saga, telling the origin story of the magical wardrobe and the creation of Narnia itself.
Gerwig’s Vision Meets Netflix’s Ambition
Greta Gerwig, fresh from her success with “Barbie” and the “Little Women” adaptation, brings her distinctive storytelling approach to C.S. Lewis’s beloved universe. The production is being shot on 35mm film with VistaVision cameras, emphasizing Gerwig’s commitment to cinematic quality.
This marks Netflix’s most ambitious fantasy project to date, with plans for multiple Narnia adaptations. The streaming giant has secured theatrical release agreements, including a special IMAX run, ensuring the magical world receives the big-screen treatment it deserves.
What Makes This Adaptation Special
Unlike previous Narnia adaptations, Gerwig’s approach focuses on the series’ chronological beginning, allowing audiences to experience the creation of Narnia from the start. The London filming captures the story’s Victorian-era setting, where young Digory and Polly first discover the magical rings that transport them between worlds.
The attention to period detail is evident in the elaborate street recreations, complete with post-war London aesthetics. The inclusion of over 100 extras and even canine actors demonstrates the production’s commitment to authenticity and scale.
Behind-the-Scenes Excitement
Recent set photographs show Gerwig actively directing scenes, with the production maintaining strict security around plot details. The Westminster and Whitehall locations suggest significant sequences involving the “real world” portions of the story, crucial to The Magician’s Nephew’s narrative structure.
The move from London to Manchester indicates the production is capturing diverse UK landscapes, potentially representing different worlds within the Narnia multiverse.
Looking Ahead: Release Expectations
While Netflix hasn’t announced an official release date, the current filming timeline suggests a potential 2026 premiere. The theatrical component, including the IMAX agreement, positions this as a major cinematic event rather than just a streaming release.
For fans of fantasy cinema and Netflix’s growing collection of premium content, this Narnia adaptation represents a significant investment in high-quality storytelling and production values.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When will Greta Gerwig’s Narnia movie be released on Netflix?
A: While Netflix hasn’t announced an official release date, the current production timeline suggests a potential 2026 release. The film will have a theatrical run, including IMAX screenings, before arriving on Netflix.
Q: Which Narnia book is Greta Gerwig adapting first?
A: Gerwig is adapting “The Magician’s Nephew,” which is chronologically the first book in the Narnia series. This tells the origin story of Narnia and explains how the magical wardrobe came to exist, making it an ideal starting point for the new adaptation series.
