Topics
Narnia's Meryl Streep Casting Rumors Mark An Important First For Greta Gerwig's Reboot
The Chronicles of Narnia just got the exciting news that record-breaking Oscar winner Meryl Streep is in talks to join the cast, and this is actually what fans have been waiting for — albeit in a different way. According to Nexus Point News, Netflix and Greta Gerwig’s Narnia reboot is hoping to cast Streep as a gender-swapped iteration of Aslan. This report comes on the coattails of other potential casting updates, including Bond actor Daniel Craig also possibly joining the Narnia cast, and pop star Charlie XCX being considered for the White Witch.
The divine lion of Narnia was voiced by Liam Neeson in the previous movie adaptations, who stood out as a Narnia actor people would have loved to see return. Yet it’s pointless to say that Streep doesn’t steal the show in every movie she’s in, and she has done enough incredible voice acting that even that won’t be a concern for potential audiences. But more specifically, Meryl Streep’s association with Narnia is the beginning of a certain Greta Gerwig flavor to the story taking shape, when we have all been eager to see how this will happen.
Meryl Streep Is The First Returning Greta Gerwig Collaborator Talked About For Narnia
Streep Previously Brought Her Talents To Gerwig’s Little Women
Notably, Daniel Craig and Charlie XCX haven’t worked with Greta Gerwig before, while Meryl Streep has. Streep portrayed Aunt March in Gerwig’s 2019 adaptation of the classic Little Women, which went on to earn the writer-director a nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay as well as acting nominations for Saoirse Ronan and Florence Pugh. The March sisters’ strict but affectionate aunt’s characterization may even partially translate over to Aslan. This is Streep’s second Gerwig movie, thus also holding much potential in terms of what could still come of their collaboration with additional projects.
Who Else Greta Gerwig Has Worked With Who REALLY Needs To Join Narnia
Everyone Still Wants Timothée Chalamet To Be Mr. Tumnus — But We Might Have To Wait
The consensus is that repeat collaborator Timothée Chalamet would be perfect as Mr. Tumnus for Narnia, the faun who is the first friend Lucy Pevensie makes in the magical world. However, as it looks more like Gerwig will be adapting The Magician’s Nephew first, the first Narnia book chronologically, fans may have to wait to see if this casting will come to fruition. I have also not completely given up hope that Gerwig will find a role for Saoirse Ronan — barring her, Florence Pugh, and Margot Robbie waiting to compete for the Lady of the Green Kirtle from The Silver Chair, the sixth book, years down the line.
Related
Greta Gerwig’s Narnia Remake Could Solve A Big Susan Pevensie Problem With A Popular Casting Choice
Saoirse Ronan is too old to play Narnia’s Susan at her main age, but she could play an adult version of the character and fix her whole story.
Yet Gerwig has worked with many A-listers people may forget. Bob Odenkirk would be great as Frank, the cabby who is accidentally brought to Narnia and promptly made its first king. Laurie Metcalf could be Frank’s wife Helen or the Pevensies’ mother later. There are also quite a few supporting voice roles in Narnia’s talking animals — I would love to see Margot Robbie or Simu Liu appear in the first movie as Fledge, the cab-horse turned flying horse. Meryl Streep may be the first past Greta Gerwig collaborator to join The Chronicles of Narnia, but she will hopefully not be the last.
- Created by
-
C.S. Lewis
- First Episode Air Date
-
November 13, 1988
Summary
The Chronicles of Narnia is a fantasy franchise based on the seven-book series written by C.S. Lewis between 1950 and 1956. The series is set in the magical world of Narnia, where children from our world are transported to fulfill prophecies, battle evil forces, and restore peace under the guidance of Aslan, a mystical lion. The franchise has seen multiple adaptations, including a BBC television series in the late 1980s, three major Hollywood films between 2005 and 2010, and an upcoming reboot by Netflix, which has generated significant anticipation. The franchise is beloved for its rich allegorical storytelling, blending Christian themes with epic fantasy elements.
