Seven years after Netflix acquired the rights, The Chronicles of Narnia is finally becoming a reality. With Oscar-winning director Greta Gerwig (Barbie, Little Women) leading the charge, Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew promises to be the fantasy blockbuster event of 2026. Filming is underway in London, and the star-studded cast keeps growing. Here’s your complete guide to what’s happening in Narnia.
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Chronicles of Narnia: Greta Gerwig Movie Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Movie Title | Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew |
| Director | Greta Gerwig |
| Release Window | Christmas 2026 |
| Theatrical Run | Thanksgiving 2026 (2,000+ IMAX screens) |
| Streaming | Netflix (December 2026) |
| Production Status | Filming (Wraps January 2026) |
| Budget | $200+ million |
| Location | London & Shepperton Studios |
A Different Starting Point
Here’s the twist: Netflix isn’t beginning with The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe like Disney did. Instead, they’re starting with The Magician’s Nephew—the prequel that explains how Narnia was created and introduces the White Witch before she became Narnia’s ice-cold tyrant.
This chronological approach lets Netflix build their fantasy universe from the ground up. Think of it as their version of the MCU’s Phase One strategy, except with talking lions and magical wardrobes. The setting has also been updated from Victorian England to 1955, giving the story a mid-century modern twist.
Actor Jason Isaacs revealed Netflix’s starting point when discussing his favorite books, mentioning he “can’t wait to see” Gerwig’s take on The Magician’s Nephew. For more on Netflix’s ambitious universe-building plans, explore our fantasy series coverage.
The All-Star Cast Taking Shape
Emma Mackey (Sex Education, Barbie) landed the role of Jadis, the White Witch, after rumors swirled about Charli XCX being considered. Mackey brings youthful energy to one of fantasy literature’s most iconic villains.
Meryl Streep is reportedly voicing Aslan, the wise lion who guides Narnia through its darkest hours. Following Liam Neeson’s memorable performance in Disney’s films, Streep will bring her legendary gravitas to the character.
Daniel Craig (No Time to Die, Knives Out) is in negotiations to play Uncle Andrew Ketterley, the magician whose questionable experiments kick off the entire adventure.
Carey Mulligan (Maestro, Promising Young Woman) joins the production as Mabel Kirke, playing the ill mother of protagonist Digory—a role heavy with emotional weight.
The young leads bringing fresh faces to Narnia are newcomers David McKenna as Digory Kirke and Beatrice Campbell as Polly Plummer. Their magical misadventure literally creates the world of Narnia.
Seven Years in the Making
Netflix announced the Narnia deal in October 2018, but the road to production has been bumpy:
The streamer hired Coco writer Matthew Aldrich as “creative architect” in 2019, but he departed after 18 months due to creative differences. Aldrich later revealed his vision differed significantly from Netflix’s direction, describing the experience as “uphill sledding.”
Enter Greta Gerwig. After her billion-dollar Barbie success proved her blockbuster credentials, Netflix locked her in for at least two Narnia films. Gerwig admitted feeling “properly scared” of the project—which she considers a good sign.
Production delays throughout 2024 stemmed partly from negotiations with IMAX theaters. Unlike typical Netflix releases, The Magician’s Nephew will get a proper theatrical run before streaming—a major strategic shift for the platform.
Blockbuster Treatment: IMAX and Beyond
This isn’t your standard Netflix Original. With a budget exceeding $200 million, Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew will debut in over 2,000 IMAX theaters worldwide around Thanksgiving 2026, followed by a Netflix streaming release at Christmas.
This dual-release strategy signals Netflix’s commitment to competing with traditional studios on the biggest stage. Producer Amy Pascal described Gerwig’s vision as “all about rock and roll,” suggesting a fresh, energetic take on C.S. Lewis’s classic tale.
Filming kicked off in August 2025 at Shepperton Studios outside London, with location shoots spotted near Tower of London, Bradford, and Manchester. The production wraps in January 2026, leaving nearly a year for visual effects and post-production magic.
The Creative Dream Team
Beyond Gerwig’s direction, heavyweight talent includes:
- Seamus McGarvey (Cinematographer): Shot The Avengers, Atonement, Anna Karenina
- Mark Ronson (Music): Grammy-winning producer confirmed for the score
- Amy Pascal (Producer): Collaborated with Gerwig on Little Women
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What Comes After?
Netflix owns rights to all seven Narnia books, meaning this is just the opening chapter. Gerwig’s commitment to at least two films suggests The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe could follow, potentially with additional series filling gaps between movies.
The goal? A multi-year, multi-platform Narnia universe that rivals Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings in scope and cultural impact.
After seven years of anticipation, Narnia is finally coming back to life—bigger, bolder, and ready to enchant a new generation!
FAQs
Q: When will Netflix’s Narnia movie be released?
A: Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew debuts in IMAX theaters worldwide around Thanksgiving 2026, with a Netflix streaming release following at Christmas 2026. This makes it available both theatrically and on streaming platforms.
Q: Will Netflix adapt all the Chronicles of Narnia books?
A: Yes! Netflix has rights to all seven books in C.S. Lewis’s series. Director Greta Gerwig is confirmed for at least two films, with plans to create an interconnected universe of movies and potentially series spanning the entire Narnia saga.
