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By Movieguide® Contributor
BARBIE’s Emma Mackey is the latest star to be added to Greta Gerwig’s upcoming NARNIA adaptation for Netflix.
“Mackey has landed the coveted role of the White Witch,” Variety reported, adding that it’s rumored Gerwig is adapting C.S. Lewis’ The Magician’s Nephew, which features the White Witch prominently.
Not much else has been confirmed about the project, but Meryl Streep is reportedly in talks to play Aslan. This has not been confirmed, but many Christians, including Movieguide® founder Dr. Baehr, are concerned that this casting would mean Gerwig’s adaptation is moving away from Lewis’ faith themes.
“I still can’t believe this is true,” one X user wrote. “@netflix this is nothing short of insane. Its an assault on the fan base. Half the country will rage against this cruel attack on the foundation of the story.”
I still can’t believe this is true. @netflix this is nothing short of insane. Its an assault on the fan base. Half the country will rage against this cruel attack on the foundation of the story.
Have you learned nothing from the Snow White disaster?https://t.co/28QQ1Mnzmp
— IntoTheWardobe (@NarniaYouTube) April 3, 2025
Another posted, “If they try to corrupt the powerful world of Narnia, then it’s up to us as the fans to keep that world alive! Whether through art, or videos, or even stories, the magical world of Narnia and the Truths it teaches shall live in the hearts it has touched.”
If Netflix and Gerwig go through with Streep’s casting, they could lose out on lots of ticket sales at the box office.
Related: Greta Gerwig Wants to Honor C.S. Lewis with Narnia Adaptation: ‘Shaped Me’
Movieguide®’s 2025 Report to the Entertainment Industry states, “119.45 million or more Christians in the United States and Canada” go to movies each year, making up a massive portion of ticket sales.
“Hollywood can’t afford to ignore the faith and values of these millions of Christians, including the faith and values of millions of Christian children and teenagers who see movies,” the report continues. “Nor can Christians ignore the fact that millions of their brethren, including their children and grandchildren, regularly go see movies.”
NARNIA fans are a little unsure of what to expect from the movie, as Gerwig and other people attached to the project have been very vague while discussing it.
Producer Amy Pascal told Deadline that Gerwig’s movie is “a very new take on Naria,” adding, “It’s all about rock and roll.”
“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,” Gerwig told the “Total Film” podcast in 2023. “I think when I’m scared, it’s always a good sign. 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.”
Gerwig and the team at Netflix are keeping details about the NARNIA movie very private, but fans around the world are hopeful they will remain faithful to Lewis’ Christian themes.
Read Next: Netflix Casts Meryl Streep as Aslan? It Doesn’t Have to Be This Way
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