Emma Mackey Enacts the White Witch Role in Greta Gerwig's Narnia Film Production
In a significant casting development for director Greta Gerwig's upcoming adaptation of C.S. Lewis' beloved children's series, "The Chronicles of Narnia," Emma Mackey has been chosen to portray the principal antagonist, Jadis the White Witch.
According to the Hollywood Reporter, this marks a reunion between Gerwig and Mackey, who previously worked together in "Barbie." Other high-profile actresses, including Charli XCX and Margaret Qualley, were rumored to be in contention for the role, famously played by Tilda Swinton in the 2005 Disney film and its sequels, "Prince Caspian" and "Voyage of the Dawn Treader."
The forthcoming Narnia film is based on "The Magician's Nephew," the sixth book in Lewis' fantasy series. Walden Media had initially planned to continue the earlier film series by adapting "Nephew," but their contract with the Lewis estate ultimately expired. After numerous attempts to adapt the remaining books, Netflix acquired the rights to tackle the project with new movies and shows, ultimately securing Gerwig's involvement.
Meryl Streep has been confirmed to voice Aslan, the iconic talking lion that allies with the Pevensies against the White Witch. Further cast announcements are expected in due course before the film's eventual release, first in theaters and later on Netflix.
In addition to Mackey and Streep, Daniel Craig is reportedly set to play Uncle Andrew, the magician whose experiments set events in motion, and Carey Mulligan will portray Digory’s gravely ill mother, a significant emotional character in the story. Filming is scheduled to begin in the summer of 2025, with young actors still being sought to play the story's central child characters.
The film is slated for a Thanksgiving Day 2026 theatrical release, with a limited two-week IMAX theatrical run planned for late 2026. Following its theatrical window, the film will stream on Netflix around Christmas time in 2026.
Gizmodo might write an article discussing the advancements in technology used to bring CGI animals to life in the upcoming Narnia movie, as Meryl Streep will voice Aslan, the iconic talking lion. Io9 could publish a piece speculating about the future of entertainment, considering the growing trend of Hollywood remakes and adaptations, with Netflix's new Narnia series being a notable example. The Entertainment Weekly website may cover the cast announcements for the upcoming Narnia movies and shows, featuring stars like Emma Mackey, Daniel Craig, Carey Mulligan, and possibly more celebrities yet to be revealed. TechRadar could explore the impact of this upcoming Narnia project on the streaming market, given that the movies will be released both in theaters and on Netflix, offering viewers multiple viewing options.
