Jason Isaacs seemingly drops a major bit of news regarding Greta Gerwig’sThe Chronicles of Narniaadaptation. Written by C.S. Lewis, the beloved fantasy book series was previously adapted into a trilogy of Disney films in the mid to late 2000s, following three British children of the Pevensie family as they discover a vast fantasy world hidden inside a wardrobe. It’s now been confirmed that Gerwig’s next big project afterBarbie(2023) is a two-partChronicles of Narniamovie for Netflix, though details on the project have been hard to come by.
During a recent interview withThe Weekin which he lists his favorite books, Isaacs, who may or may not be connected to Gerwig’sNarniamovie, seemingly reveals that the filmmaker will be adapting the events of Lewis’The Magician’s Nephew, a prequel toThe Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe. If Gerwig is adaptingThe Magician’s Nephew, this will mark the first time the story has been adapted for the screen. Isaacs, who choseThe Magician’s Nephewas one of his favorite books, includes the following statement about the novel:
I loved all the Narnia books as a kid. When Peter was told he wouldn’t be coming back, I understood something devastating about mortality. I picked this one because Greta Gerwig is about to make a film of it, which I can’t wait to see.
Isaacs previously auditioned for the role of Aslan in Disney’sChronicles of Narniamovies, a role that ultimately went to Liam Neeson.
What Isaacs' Comment Means For Gerwig’s Chronicles Of Narnia Adaptation
What The Magician’s Nephew Is About
While Isaacs' comment certainly makes Gerwig’sNarniamovie a more intriguing project, it should be noted that the actor’s comment does leave room for an alternate interpretation and should not be taken as an official announcement. Given he mentions “all the Narnia books” at the beginning of his comment,it’s possible that he means he’s excited to see Gerwig’s vision for the franchise in a broader sense, not that she’s specifically adaptingThe Magician’s Nephew.
Greta Gerwig’s Narnia Remake Is Exciting, But I Wish Netflix Would Take A Riskier Approach To The Books
Though Great Gerwig’s remake is exciting, I wish that Netflix would take a riskier approach to these books as they can easily fold into this genre.
Barring any miscommunication, however, Isaac’s comment could mean thatGerwig’sNarniamoviewon’t be what audiences are expecting. Chronologically,within Narnia,The Magician’s Newphewtakes place roughly 1000 years beforeThe Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe.Lewis' prequel chronicles the origins of Narnia, with Aslan the lion playing a significant role in the story alongside youngsters Digory and Polly, children from 1900 London. If Gerwig is adaptingThe Magician’s Nephew, it remains unclear if the prequel will be adapted into two movies or if it will serve as only one movie, or some other arrangement.
It’s been reported that Gerwig’sChronicles of Narniamovie could get a wide theatrical release, a rarity for Netflix movies.
Our Take On Gerwig Adapting The Magician’s Nephew
Lewis' Prequel Novel Is A Strong Choice For Adaptation
Considering Disney has already adaptedThe Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe,Prince Caspian, andThe Voyage of the Dawn Treader,it would be exciting to see Gerwig’s movie adapt a story that hasn’t been put to the screen before. AfterBarbie’s glowing reviews, as well those forLittle Women(2019), Gerwig has certainly proven herself a filmmaker adept at adaptation, and she could be just the person to bringThe Magician’s Nephewto life.
Though Gerwig has a strong track record as a director, she has never directed this kind of epic fantasy story before, meaning herChronicles of Narniamovie will be an interesting test. If the movie is a hit and is well-received, it’s entirely possible that Gerwig will be helming more major blockbusters of this sort moving forward.
The Chronicles of Narnia
The Chronicles of Narniais 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.
