The magical world of Narnia is coming to life once again! David McKenna and Beatrice Campbell have been cast as the young leads Digory and Polly in Netflix’s upcoming Chronicles of Narnia adaptation, bringing fresh faces to C.S. Lewis’s beloved fantasy universe under the direction of acclaimed filmmaker Greta Gerwig.
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Netflix Production Officially Begins in London
Netflix’s Narnia movie is officially filming, 2,503 days after the streamer first announced its plans to adapt the beloved C.S. Lewis novels. The long-awaited project has finally moved from development to active production, with cameras rolling in London studios.
Cast & Character Breakdown
| Character | Actor | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Digory Kirke | David McKenna | Young boy who discovers the magical rings |
| Polly Plummer | Beatrice Campbell | Digory’s adventurous neighbor and companion |
| Uncle Andrew | Daniel Craig | Digory’s uncle and amateur magician |
| Jadis/White Witch | Emma Mackey | The future antagonist of Narnia |
| Digory’s Mother | Carey Mulligan | Digory’s ill mother (in negotiations) |
| Aslan (Voice) | Meryl Streep | The great lion of Narnia (unconfirmed) |
Why “The Magician’s Nephew” Makes Perfect Sense
The movie is adapting the sixth novel in the Narnia series, The Magician’s Nephew, which serves as a prequel to the more famous “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.” This strategic choice allows Netflix to:
- Start at the beginning: Tell the origin story of Narnia itself
- Introduce new audiences: No prior Narnia knowledge required
- Build a franchise: Perfect setup for future sequels
The story follows young Digory and Polly as they stumble upon magical rings that transport them between worlds, ultimately witnessing the creation of Narnia by Aslan’s song.
Greta Gerwig’s Vision for Narnia
From the emotional trenches of Little Women to the candy-colored dreamhouses of Barbie, Greta Gerwig is a master of reimagining beloved tales. Her track record suggests we can expect:
- Character-driven storytelling with emotional depth
- Visual innovation that honors the source material
- Contemporary relevance while maintaining fantasy magic
- Strong performances from both veteran and newcomer actors
Rising Stars Take Center Stage
While Susannah Norris Agency represents McKenna, and Sylvia Young Agency represents Campbell, both young actors are relatively unknown, following the tradition of casting fresh faces in major fantasy franchises. This approach worked brilliantly for Harry Potter and The Lord of the Rings series.
The decision to cast newcomers allows audiences to see Digory and Polly without preconceived notions, creating genuine wonder as they discover the magical worlds alongside the characters.
What This Means for Netflix’s Fantasy Strategy
Netflix’s commitment to Narnia represents a significant investment in fantasy content, competing directly with Amazon’s Lord of the Rings series and HBO’s House of the Dragon. The film features an impressive ensemble cast including Daniel Craig, Meryl Streep, Carey Mulligan, and Emma Mackey, signaling Netflix’s serious intent to dominate the fantasy genre.
Production Timeline and Release Expectations
Filming continues through the remainder of the year, suggesting a potential 2026 release date. Given Gerwig’s meticulous approach to filmmaking and the complex visual effects required for Narnia’s magical elements, fans should expect a polished, cinematic experience worth the wait.
The casting of McKenna and Campbell marks a crucial milestone in bringing Lewis’s timeless tale to a new generation, promising to blend nostalgic charm with modern filmmaking excellence.
Stay updated on the latest entertainment news and casting announcements by following our movie coverage and Netflix updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When will Netflix’s Narnia movie be released?
A: While no official release date has been announced, with filming currently underway in London and expected to continue through 2025, the movie will likely debut in 2026 on Netflix.
Q: Will this Narnia adaptation connect to previous movies?
A: No, this is a complete reboot of the franchise under Greta Gerwig’s direction. It’s adapting “The Magician’s Nephew” as a fresh starting point, allowing new viewers to experience Narnia without needing to watch previous adaptations.
