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Lead Actor Of The New 'Chronicles Of Narnia' Film Officially Revealed
Next year, the latest Narnia adventure is set to hit theaters and Netflix, exciting fans around the world.
We are just over a year away from the release of Greta Gerwig's reboot of The Chronicles of Narnia, and finally, cast members are starting to speak out. The director of Barbie has been working on this new interpretation of C.S. Lewis's classic book series, which is in development at Netflix. Filming began in August 2025.
Unlike previous adaptations by Disney in the 2000s, Gerwig is opting for a different approach. The new series will start with The Magician's Nephew, the chronologically first book that was published as sixth. This story takes place before the arrival of the Pevensie children and shows how Aslan creates the world of Narnia.
Rumors about the cast have circulated for months, including the idea that Meryl Streep would voice Aslan. One of the key roles is that of Jadis, the future White Witch. In April, it was announced that Emma Mackey (Sex Education) would take on this role, and now she is cautiously speaking about it for the first time.
While she reveals little in terms of content details, Mackey told MovieWeb: "I can't say much about it, except that it has been a wonderful process so far. It's an adventure. Greta is someone I have immense respect for, a friend, and a creative force. I am very grateful to be on her set."
Mackey, who also appeared in Barbie, is one of the rising stars of this decade. Her role as Jadis promises to be a new step in her career. In The Magician's Nephew, Jadis is not yet the fully-fledged villain as in The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, but we will learn about her origins, including her home world Charn and how she comes to Narnia.
Gerwig seems to be the ideal director for this project. With films like Lady Bird, Little Women, and Barbie, she has already proven that she excels at coming-of-age stories, literary adaptations, and imaginative worlds. Her experience with large productions will serve well in adapting Lewis's epic saga.
Alongside Mackey, Daniel Craig, Carey Mulligan, and Denis Gough have also been confirmed for the film. Gerwig is expected to direct at least two Narnia films. Netflix has high expectations: The Magician's Nephew will receive an exclusive two-week theatrical release in IMAX around Thanksgiving 2026, followed by a Netflix release at Christmas.
If all goes according to plan, this reboot could grow into a large-scale franchise for Netflix. With seven books in the series, there is potential for seven films. Narnia: The Magician's Nephew is scheduled for release on November 26, 2026.
Unlike previous adaptations by Disney in the 2000s, Gerwig is opting for a different approach. The new series will start with The Magician's Nephew, the chronologically first book that was published as sixth. This story takes place before the arrival of the Pevensie children and shows how Aslan creates the world of Narnia.
Emma Mackey As Jadis: First Reactions
Rumors about the cast have circulated for months, including the idea that Meryl Streep would voice Aslan. One of the key roles is that of Jadis, the future White Witch. In April, it was announced that Emma Mackey (Sex Education) would take on this role, and now she is cautiously speaking about it for the first time.
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While she reveals little in terms of content details, Mackey told MovieWeb: "I can't say much about it, except that it has been a wonderful process so far. It's an adventure. Greta is someone I have immense respect for, a friend, and a creative force. I am very grateful to be on her set."
A Promising Actress For A Complex Role
Mackey, who also appeared in Barbie, is one of the rising stars of this decade. Her role as Jadis promises to be a new step in her career. In The Magician's Nephew, Jadis is not yet the fully-fledged villain as in The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, but we will learn about her origins, including her home world Charn and how she comes to Narnia.
Greta Gerwig's Narnia Star Breaks Silence On Casting For Netflix Reboot https://t.co/RVvQfOxaFR
Movies On The Way (@Moviesontheway) November 9, 2025
Gerwig seems to be the ideal director for this project. With films like Lady Bird, Little Women, and Barbie, she has already proven that she excels at coming-of-age stories, literary adaptations, and imaginative worlds. Her experience with large productions will serve well in adapting Lewis's epic saga.
Strong Cast And Ambitious Plans
Alongside Mackey, Daniel Craig, Carey Mulligan, and Denis Gough have also been confirmed for the film. Gerwig is expected to direct at least two Narnia films. Netflix has high expectations: The Magician's Nephew will receive an exclusive two-week theatrical release in IMAX around Thanksgiving 2026, followed by a Netflix release at Christmas.
If all goes according to plan, this reboot could grow into a large-scale franchise for Netflix. With seven books in the series, there is potential for seven films. Narnia: The Magician's Nephew is scheduled for release on November 26, 2026.
