Ben Barnes, known for playing the noble Prince Caspian inThe Chronicles of Narniafilm series, has shared heartfelt advice for the cast of Greta Gerwig’s upcomingNarniaremake.TheBarbiedirector is set to adapt C.S. Lewis' beloved children’s novels, which made their first big-screen debut in 2005 with Andrew Adamson’sThe Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. Sent to the countryside to escape World War II, siblings Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy Pevensie discover a wardrobe that serves as a gateway to a magical realm. TheGerwig-ledNarniais setfor release on July 11, 2025.
In an interview withCollider,Barnes offered Gerwig and the cast some warm words, referring to his personal experience with the high fantasy series. The 2008 adaptation ofPrince Caspianmarked Barnes’ first major role in a feature length film as the Pevensie siblings return to Narnia to aid the prince in his struggle for the throne against his corrupt uncle. Check out Barnes' comments below:
Advice that I got at the time, which was to justenjoy the adventure. I don’t expect a cast coming into it now as kids to have grown up necessarily with the Narnia books. They may have. But for me, it was very special for that reason. I was stepping into something that I knew from being eight years old, and I really valued and appreciated.
One of my skills, as an actor, I think, is to really enjoy the experience of making it, for being in New Zealand or being in Prague and being on these incredible sets and being around incredible people. My best friend in the world, I made on that film.
They should just enjoy the experience of actually making it. The rest of it will be what it is. It’ll fall into place, or it won’t. It’ll capture people’s hearts and imaginations, or it won’t. So long as you’re present in the moment and giving it your all, then that’s all you’re able to really offer anyway. So, I wouldn’t deign to offer any advice on how to portray the characters or anything.
What Ben Barnes' Advice For Greta Gerwig’s Narnia Means
Lessons From A Beloved Prince
For a project as ambitious as Netflix’sThe Chronicles of Narnia, Barnes’ advice emphasizes the importance of cherishing the creative process. His call to “enjoy the adventure” aligns perfectly with the themes of discovery and childlike wonder thatdefine C.S. Lewis’ books. This perspective is especially meaningful for a cast likely to include younger actors stepping into iconic roles like the Pevensie siblings—many of whom may be encountering Narnia’s fantastical world of mythical beasts, talking animals, and sinister witches for the first time. The actor himself continued to explore outlandish worlds with the Netflix fantasy seriesShadow and Bone.
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This advice is particularly significant given the high stakes of adaptingThe Chronicles of Narniafor a new era. PreviousChronicles of Narniaadaptations have notably failedas Lewis' sprawling universe moved further away from the Pevensie siblings. Nonetheless, Netflix aims to rejuvenate the franchise with a bold, theatrical-first release strategy with IMAX and Gerwig’s distinct creative vision. As details concerning the reboot remain relatively unknown,the director could also take a new route and adaptThe Magician’s Nephew, Lewis’Narniaprequel.
Netflix’s Cast Should Embrace The Magic Of C.S. Lewis
Barnes’ reflections perfectly embody what we hope to see from Netflix’sThe Chronicles of Narniareboot: a celebration of wonder, discovery, and heartfelt storytelling. While he may be too old to return to Narnia, Barnes' perspective is key to bringing Lewis’ magical world to life. With Gerwig at the helm,The Chronicles of Narniaremake has the potential to reimagine the beloved children’s story in a way that feels fresh yet faithful—if they so choose to embrace it.
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.
