Move over Barbie Land, Greta Gerwig is set to tackle another intensely popular world, Narnia. According to The New Yorker, Gerwig “has a deal with Netflix to write and direct at least two films based on C. S. Lewis’ The Chronicles of Narnia.” This confirmation came straight from Gerwig herself, and recently, Netflix spoke about the partnership as well, shedding some light on a schedule for the first of the films.
What Can We Expect From Greta Gerwig’s Narnia Movies? (Apparently, Rock and Roll)
For now, very little information is available about these new Greta Gerwig Chronicles of Narnia movie adaptations. We don’t know which parts of the series will get adapted or even in what format we’ll see them come to life. The Chronicles of Narnia received a big-screen adaptation in the 2000s, with The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Prince Caspian, and The Voyage of the Dawn Treader all receiving live-action movies. However, the series did not take as well as hoped. (Although the movies did launch Ben Barnes, for which we appreciate them.)
Recently, we got a small but strange update on Greta Gerwig’s Chronicles of Narnia Netflix film. This new bit of information came from from producer Amy Pascal, who is working on the upcoming movie. Pascal revealed, Gerwig would bring to life “a very new take on Naria. It’s all about rock and roll.” We personally do not really remember rock and roll being a huge feature of any of the Chronicles of Narnia books, but hey, if Mr. Tumnus wants to get his shades on do a dance number, we’re not against it. Jadis the White Witch does have some pretty rocking vibes, we’ll give them that. And lions have been dancing and singing all over recently, so, okay, punk rock Aslan with a mohawk mane, here we came.
When Will Gerwig’s Netflix Narnia Movies Begin to Release?
We do know a little bit about when we might see the movies begin to take shape, though. Speaking with Collider, Netflix’s Head of Film, Scott Stuber, noted, “Well, I think people know that we’re aspirationally trying to get Greta Gerwig’s [The Chronicles of] Narnia together and get that movie, which will be next year.” Next year, here, references 2024. Of course, it seems like that could all still change, but it’s nice to hear an update from an official source.
Gerwig herself recently shared with Deadline that the Narnia movies are in “the very early stages of pre-production in the UK.” The publication additionally adds that “Narnia more than likely won’t be ready to go before cameras until late this year or possibly early next. It’s yet to be determined, plus Gerwig has yet to appoint key department heads who will create the magical land where animals behave as equals with humans, witches wage war and dragons and horses fly.”
Could We See a Deeper Take on the Chronicles of Narnia?
The idea of a Chronicles of Narnia movie done by Gerwig is a fascinating one. The books by C. S. Lewis are dense and heavily philosophical and religious. While the latest Narnia movies leaned more heavily into broad fantasy themes, a Gerwig-helmed Narnia series could get deeper and more existential. But for now, we’ll just have to imagine the possibilities and hope the movies do indeed come to pass. Long live Aslan, hopefully, he’s more than just a Ken.
Originally published on July 5, 2023.
