TL;DR
- Project: Greta Gerwig’s adaptation of The Magician’s Nephew—the prequel to The Chronicles of Narnia—has begun filming in London as of August 2025.
- Cast: Emma Mackey is confirmed as the White Witch. Daniel Craig, Meryl Streep (as the voice of Aslan), and Carey Mulligan are also attached.
- Production Timeline: Filming kicked off around August 11, 2025, with a two-week IMAX theatrical release slated for Thanksgiving Day (November 26) 2026, followed by Netflix streaming on Christmas Day 2026.
Production is officially underway on Greta Gerwig’s eagerly awaited adaptation of The Magician’s Nephew, the chronological prequel to The Chronicles of Narnia. Filming has kicked off in London—including Shepperton Studios—with Seamus McGarvey on board as the director of photography.
Gerwig, who signed on to write and direct at least two Narnia films for Netflix in July 2023, continues her signature blend of innovation and whimsical storytelling in this reboot.
Star-Studded Cast
The film boasts a powerhouse ensemble:
- Emma Mackey (from Sex Education) steps into the iconic role of the White Witch.
- Daniel Craig portrays Uncle Andrew, a pivotal figure whose actions usher Digory and Polly into Narnia.
- Meryl Streep lends her voice to Aslan, the majestic lion.
- Carey Mulligan is confirmed in an undisclosed role, likely connected to Digory’s world.
Timeline & Release Strategy
- Principal photography began on August 11, 2025, in London.
- IMAX Theatrical Release: Scheduled for November 26, 2026, coinciding with Thanksgiving in the U.S.
- Netflix Streaming: Premieres on December 25, 2026 — Christmas Day.
What’s Different This Time?
Gerwig’s Narnia promises a “rock and roll” reinvention of the beloved classic—bigger, bolder, and more vividly imagined than previous versions. It embraces the rich mythology of C.S. Lewis’s world while infusing it with a grounded, emotionally resonant lens.
This adaptation uniquely begins with The Magician’s Nephew—a departure from the 2000s films that launched with The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. It roots the saga in origin story territory, spotlighting Digory and Polly’s discovery of Narnia’s creation.
