The highly anticipated reboot of the beloved Narnia series is taking shape, with Greta Gerwig, the acclaimed writer and director behind the blockbuster hit "Barbie," at the helm. The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed that the talented Carey Mulligan, known for her numerous accolades including Oscar, BAFTA, and Golden Globe nominations, has joined the cast. Mulligan will portray Mabel Kirke, the mother of the young protagonist Digory from C.S. Lewis's classic fantasy novel, "The Magician's Nephew."
Joining Mulligan in this enchanting journey are a stellar lineup of actors. Former James Bond star Daniel Craig will take on the role of the titular magician and Digory's uncle. Emma Mackey, recognized for her role in "Sex Education," will portray a younger version of the iconic villain, the White Witch. Adding to the cast is the legendary Meryl Streep, who will lend her voice to the majestic Aslan, the god-like talking lion central to the Narnia universe.
Gerwig's adaptation will focus on "The Magician's Nephew," a prequel to the well-known "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe." This new film promises to delve into the origins of Narnia, offering fans a fresh perspective on the beloved fantasy world.
This isn't the first time Narnia has graced the silver screen. A previous trilogy, released between 2005 and 2010, adapted the first three books of C.S. Lewis's series: "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe," "Prince Caspian," and "The Voyage of the Dawn Treader." These films featured notable performances by Tilda Swinton as the White Witch and Liam Neeson as the voice of Aslan.
Gerwig's latest project follows her successful venture with "Barbie" in 2023, which starred Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling and garnered eight Academy Award nominations, ultimately winning for Best Original Song. The Chronicles of Narnia: The Magician's Nephew is slated for release in 2026, promising to captivate audiences with its magical storytelling and exceptional cast.