Greta Gerwig Calls NARNIA Project ‘Worthy Thing To Be Intimidated By’
By Movieguide® Contributor
Greta Gerwig might be one of Hollywood’s biggest directors, but she’s feeling a little intimidated by her next project — an adaptation of THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA.
“I’m slightly in the place of terror because I really do have such reverence for Narnia,” the LITTLE WOMEN director shared. “I loved Narnia so much as a child. As an adult, C.S. Lewis is a thinker and a writer. I’m intimidated by doing this. It’s something that feels like a worthy thing to be intimidated by.”
Gerwig added, “As a non-British person, I feel a particular sense of wanting to do it correctly…it’s like when Americans do Shakespeare, there’s a slight feeling of reverence and as if maybe we should treat it with extra care. It is not our countryman.”
The writer and director spoke further about her fear of the project during an appearance on the “Total Film” podcast, saying, “I haven’t even really started wrapping my arms around it, but I’m properly scared of it, which feels like a good place to start,” via Variety.
“I think when I’m scared, it’s always a good sign,” Gerwig continued. “Maybe when I stop being scared, it’ll be like, ‘Maybe I shouldn’t do that one.’ No, I’m terrified of it. It’s extraordinary. And it’s exciting.”
Netflix Film chairman Scott Stuber said Gerwig was the perfect choice for the upcoming NARNIA adaptation, in part due to her upbringing.
“[Gerwig] grew up in a Christian background. The C.S. Lewis books are very much based in Christianity. And so we just started talking about it,” he explained. “And like I said earlier, we don’t have IP, so when we had the opportunity [to license] those books or the [Roald Dahl Co.] we jumped at it, to have stories that people recognize and the ability to tell those stories. So, it was just a great opportunity, and I’m so thrilled that she’s working on it with us. And I’m just thrilled to be in business with her. And she’s just an incredible talent.”
Movieguide® previously reported on Gerwig’s partnership with Netflix for the upcoming NARNIA movies:
Known for her highly anticipated movie BARBIE, sources confirmed Greta Gerwig is set to direct a new Netflix adaption of NARNIA.
The Hollywood Reporter stated, “There is no official announcement but the New York reported that Gerwig has a deal to direct two films in author C.S Lewis’ NARNIA franchise.”
Additionally IDN reported, “According to a recent profile piece in The New Yorker, Gerwig will helm at least two Narnia movies for Netflix as part of the streamer’s long-gestating plans to bring the beloved Chronicles of Narnia series to life through multiple movies and TV shows.”
Movieguide® is hoping that Gerwig’s adaptation will be faithful and honor Lewis’ Christian beliefs, as well as the biblical allegory of THE LION, THE WITCH, AND THE WARDROBE.
It’s a topic that’s explored in Dr. Baehr’s book “Narnia Beckons.” A synopsis reads:
In this beautiful coffee table book of over 180 pages, the custom illustrations and insightful essays reveal the mind and imagination of C.S. Lewis. To approach the life and work of C.S. Lewis is as much like stepping into the enchanted wardrobe that opens to his wide-eyed world of Narnia.
Inside this beautiful hardback book, you will find expert essays on the entire life of the penman known as “Jack,” rare photographs of his childhood haunts, and profiles of family, well-loved authors, and his Inkling friends.
