Production of Netflix's The Chronicles of Narnia remake, directed by Greta Gerwig, has commenced.
A New Journey to Narnia: Greta Gerwig's Adaptation of "The Magician's Nephew"
Greta Gerwig's upcoming adaptation of The Magician's Nephew marks a fresh start for Netflix's Chronicles of Narnia series. Set to release on Thanksgiving Day 2026, this fourth film in the series promises to captivate audiences with its unique blend of fantasy and history.
The film is based on the sixth book by C.S. Lewis, which tells the origins of Narnia. The cast includes Emma Mackey as the White Witch, Meryl Streep as the voice of Aslan, Daniel Craig, Carey Mulligan, and more, although Netflix has not yet confirmed the cast officially.
Unlike the original late 19th-century Victorian setting of the book, the film is historically anchored in the 1950s London post-war period. Key filming sites include Central London locations such as Bank Station, The Royal Exchange, Cornhill, and Threadneedle Street, where elaborate sets depicting 1950s streets have been constructed. The production also utilizes Shepperton Studios in Surrey for studio work.
The 1950s setting is a notable departure, shifting the story's timeline from the book's original era to mid-20th century, around post-World War II reconstruction-era Britain. Many set pieces reflect this era, including giant billboards with a golden-maned lion (a nod to Aslan) and period posters advertising boxing matches and musical revues.
The film stars two young leads believed to be Digory Kirke and Polly Plummer, who are central to the story’s plot of accidentally unleashing the White Witch. Filming for the film has already begun, with scenes suggesting a possible framing device or reinterpretation of the story’s timeline, set in the World War II era itself.
First photos and videos from the set have been published, giving a glimpse of the actors' costumes, set elements, vintage cars, and a double-decker bus. The setting for the film includes advertisements for the Northfield Club and the Steapleton Empire. The release date for The Magician's Nephew is set for November 26, 2026, in theaters, with plans for a later release on Netflix.
This shift in timeline may also affect the broader timeline continuity of future Narnia adaptations on Netflix, promising an exciting new direction for the beloved series.
[1] The Guardian. (2025, August 1). Greta Gerwig's The Magician's Nephew starts filming in London. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/film/2025/aug/01/greta-gerwigs-the-magicians-nephew-starts-filming-in-london
[2] Variety. (2025, August 1). Greta Gerwig's The Magician's Nephew Sets 1950s London as Filming Location. Retrieved from https://variety.com/2025/film/news/greta-gerwigs-magicians-nephew-filming-location-1235341561/
[3] Deadline. (2025, August 1). Greta Gerwig's The Magician's Nephew Begins Filming In London. Retrieved from https://deadline.com/2025/08/greta-gerwigs-the-magicians-nephew-begins-filming-in-london-1235353853/
[4] Empire Online. (2025, August 1). Greta Gerwig's The Magician's Nephew: First Look at the Film's London Set. Retrieved from https://www.empireonline.com/movies/news/greta-gerwigs-the-magicians-nephew-first-look-at-the-films-london-set/
[5] The Hollywood Reporter. (2025, August 1). Greta Gerwig's The Magician's Nephew Begins Filming in London. Retrieved from https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/greta-gerwigs-the-magicians-nephew-begins-filming-in-london-1235353853/
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