7 Shocking Ways Greta Gerwig's Narnia Will Be 'Not Your Grandmother's': Cast, Book Order, And Rock Music

As of December 2025, the highly anticipated Netflix adaptation of C.S. Lewis's *The Chronicles of Narnia*, helmed by *Barbie* and *Little Women* director Greta Gerwig, is rapidly moving forward, with a major production start date and key cast members now confirmed. Gerwig's multi-film deal with the streaming giant is set to completely redefine the beloved fantasy world, moving away from previous cinematic interpretations with a bold, unique creative vision that has been described as "Not Your Grandmother's Narnia." The latest updates reveal a Summer 2025 filming timeline, a surprising choice for the first book, and a musical direction that promises a significant tonal shift. The project is one of the most closely watched fantasy reboots in Hollywood, with Gerwig's signature blend of earnest emotion and sharp, modern commentary expected to breathe new life into the classic tales of Aslan, the White Witch, and the Pevensie children. The decision to hand the reins of this massive intellectual property (IP) to a director known for her character-driven, female-centric narratives signals Netflix’s commitment to a fresh, auteur-driven take on the world of Narnia.

GRETA GERWIG: BIOGRAPHY & KEY ACHIEVEMENTS

Greta Celeste Gerwig is an American actress, screenwriter, and director whose career trajectory has moved from the independent "mumblecore" scene to helming some of the biggest cinematic hits of the 21st century. Her work is often praised for its authentic dialogue, focus on female experience, and nostalgic yet modern sensibility.

• Full Name: Greta Celeste Gerwig
• Born: August 4, 1983 (Age 42 as of December 2025)
• Birthplace: Sacramento, California, U.S.
• Alma Mater: Barnard College (B.A.)
• Occupations: Director, Screenwriter, Actress
• Key Directorial Works: Lady Bird (2017), Little Women (2019), Barbie (2023)
• Major Nominations: Three Academy Award nominations (Best Director for Lady Bird, Best Adapted Screenplay for Little Women, Best Picture for Barbie)
• Career Origin: Began her career in the "mumblecore" independent film movement, co-writing and starring in films like Frances Ha (2012).
• Narnia Role: Signed to write and direct at least two films in Netflix's new *Chronicles of Narnia* franchise.

THE NARNIA REBOOT: WHAT WE KNOW ABOUT THE FIRST TWO FILMS

The Gerwig-led Narnia project is not a continuation of the Disney/Fox films, but a complete reboot, with Netflix securing the rights to all seven books in C.S. Lewis’s series. The company has tasked Gerwig with launching a new, multi-film universe.

The Surprising First Book: *The Magician's Nephew*

Despite previous adaptations focusing on the most famous entry, *The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe*, Gerwig’s first film is confirmed to be an adaptation of The Magician's Nephew. * This choice is significant because *The Magician's Nephew* is the sixth book in publication order but serves as the prequel to the entire series, telling the story of the creation of Narnia, the origins of the White Witch (Jadis), and the arrival of the first human children, Digory Kirke and Polly Plummer. * Starting with the prequel provides a clean slate, allowing Gerwig to establish the rules, tone, and mythology of her Narnia universe before introducing the Pevensie children. * The title for the first film is reportedly Narnia: The Magician's Nephew.

Production Timeline and Multi-Film Deal

Netflix has confirmed a major commitment to the franchise, with Gerwig signed on to write and direct at least two films. * The first film is eyeing a production start date in Summer 2025, with reports pointing toward a July 2025 shoot. * This timeline suggests a potential release in late 2026 or early 2027, positioning it as a major tentpole feature for the streaming service. * The second film is expected to be a direct follow-up, though the specific book has not been officially confirmed.

'NOT YOUR GRANDMOTHER'S NARNIA': GERWIG'S RADICAL CREATIVE VISION

The most intriguing details about the reboot revolve around Gerwig's creative choices, which promise a departure from the traditional, earnest fantasy aesthetic. This new vision is a primary reason the project has generated so much buzz.

1. A Modern, Rock-Inspired Soundtrack

In a surprising update, the CEO of IMAX revealed that Gerwig’s Narnia will feature "Rock-Inspired Music." * This detail suggests a modern, potentially anachronistic musical approach, similar to the way Gerwig used pop music in *Barbie* or infused a contemporary feel into the 19th-century setting of *Little Women*. * A rock-inspired score could give the fantasy world an edge and a sense of rebellion, differentiating it sharply from the classical orchestral scores of previous Narnia and other high-fantasy films.

2. The "Awe and Apprehension" of the Director

Gerwig herself has spoken about the immense pressure and respect she feels for the source material, describing her feelings as a mix of "awe and apprehension." * She has expressed a "reverence" for C.S. Lewis’s work, which is a blend of Christian allegory, mythology, and pure fantasy. This suggests her adaptation will be deeply researched but not necessarily a slavish copy. * The Netflix CEO has publicly praised Gerwig’s "Incredible Vision," indicating that her unique take was the main selling point for the studio.

3. Timeline and Setting Deviations

While the core narrative of *The Magician's Nephew* is expected to remain, reports suggest Gerwig is looking at significant deviations related to the timeline and setting. * This could involve a more contemporary framing device or a subtle shift in the story’s period, allowing her to explore the themes of childhood and loss with a modern lens, a hallmark of her previous work. * Gerwig's talent lies in making classic stories feel urgent and relevant, and Narnia is expected to receive a similar treatment.

CONFIRMED CAST AND KEY CHARACTERS

The casting announcements so far indicate a commitment to working with highly respected, Gerwig-adjacent talent, lending immediate credibility to the reboot.

Emma Mackey as the White Witch (Jadis)

The most exciting confirmed casting is Emma Mackey, who is reportedly set to play the iconic villain, the White Witch (Jadis). * Mackey is best known for her role in *Sex Education* and for co-starring with Gerwig in *Barbie*. This reunion highlights Gerwig’s tendency to work with trusted collaborators. * The White Witch is a crucial figure in *The Magician's Nephew*, where her origin as a powerful sorceress from the dying world of Charn is revealed. Mackey's casting suggests a commanding, complex, and potentially less overtly villainous portrayal of the character.

Carey Mulligan and Denise Gough

Two other highly acclaimed actresses, Carey Mulligan and Denise Gough, have also been confirmed for the first film. * Carey Mulligan is an Oscar-nominated actress known for films like *Promising Young Woman* and *Maestro*. Her involvement adds significant dramatic weight to the ensemble. * Denise Gough is a two-time Olivier Award-winning Irish actress, further signaling the high caliber of acting talent being recruited for the project. * While their specific roles are not yet officially detailed, speculation suggests they could play key adult figures in the lives of Digory and Polly, such as Digory’s mother or the enigmatic Mrs. Ketterley.

THE FUTURE OF THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA FRANCHISE

With Gerwig’s vision guiding the first two films, the future of the *Chronicles of Narnia* franchise on Netflix looks incredibly bright. The combination of a beloved IP, a critically acclaimed auteur director, a star-studded cast, and a fresh, rock-infused creative direction positions this reboot as one of the most anticipated fantasy events of the decade. The success of *The Magician's Nephew* will determine the pace and scale of the subsequent five films, potentially securing a multi-year, multi-billion-dollar franchise for the streaming giant.