First Look at Aslan in Greta Gerwig’s ‘Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew’

Greta Gerwig has solidified her status as one of Hollywood’s most sought-after directors following the success of ‘Barbie,’ which transformed a simple toy adaptation into a cultural sensation that redefined the studio blockbuster landscape. Her upcoming project aims to maintain that momentum, as she dives into one of literature’s most cherished fantasy realms.

In 2018, Netflix secured the rights to C.S. Lewis’s Chronicles of Narnia series, and after years of development, Gerwig’s vision for the franchise is finally taking shape. Instead of revisiting the more well-known ‘The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe,’ Gerwig has opted to adapt ‘The Magician’s Nephew,’ the sixth book in the series but the first in chronological order, marking the first-ever screen adaptation of this story.

The long-anticipated reveal is now here. Netflix has shared the first official look at ‘Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew,’ showcased on an exclusive cover for Empire magazine subscribers, featuring a stunning image of Aslan creating the world of Narnia. The film is scheduled to hit theaters worldwide on February 12, 2027.

The narrative follows two children, Digory Kirke and Polly Plummer, portrayed by newcomers David McKenna and Beatrice Campbell, who use magical rings to traverse between worlds through the serene Wood Between the Worlds. Their curiosity inadvertently awakens the malevolent Queen Jadis, played by Emma Mackey, from the dying world of Charn, ultimately leading her to encounter the majestic lion Aslan as he sings Narnia into existence.

The film boasts an impressive ensemble cast, including Carey Mulligan as Digory’s mother Mabel Kirke, alongside Ciarán Hinds, Daniel Craig as the morally ambiguous Uncle Andrew, and Meryl Streep in a supporting role. This star-studded lineup adds a sense of prestige, aligning with the grand vision Gerwig has for this adaptation.

First look at Aslan creating Narnia in Greta Gerwig’s ‘NARNIA: THE MAGICIAN’S NEPHEW’.

In theaters on February 12, 2027.

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Gerwig has openly discussed her deep connection to the source material, recalling her childhood experience of reading ‘The Magician’s Nephew.’ She expressed, “I was a child when I first read The Magician’s Nephew, and I fell in love with the gorgeously improbable but completely brilliant concept of a cosmic lion singing the world of Narnia to life,” in an interview with Tudum, Netflix’s official editorial platform. She added, “Working with Netflix to bring this film to life has been extraordinary, and IMAX continues to be an incredible partner. I cannot wait for people to see the film in theaters on February 12 and on Netflix on April 2.”

This two-phase release strategy, debuting in theaters before transitioning to streaming, marks a significant shift for Netflix, which has been experimenting with theatrical windows for its most prestigious titles rather than sending everything directly to streaming.

The journey to theaters for ‘Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew’ has not been without its challenges. Initially slated for a Thanksgiving 2026 release exclusively in IMAX, the date was pushed to February due to a cast member’s injury that delayed production by six weeks. This delay ultimately allowed Netflix to broaden the release into a full theatrical window, which Gerwig had reportedly desired from the outset.

Interestingly, the newly revealed branding omits “The Chronicles of” from the franchise title, with marketing materials now simply stating “Greta Gerwig’s Narnia.” This decision indicates a purposeful creative shift, positioning the film as a unique directorial vision rather than just another installment in a larger franchise.

Mark Ronson, who previously collaborated with Gerwig on ‘Barbie,’ returns to compose the score alongside Andrew Wyatt, suggesting that the musical flair that defined ‘Barbie’s’ cultural impact may carry over into this distinctly different fantasy epic. Sony Pictures Releasing International will manage distribution outside the U.S. and Canada, ensuring a truly global theatrical release.

With its first look now unveiled and a confirmed release date set, ‘Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew’ is poised to become one of the most anticipated fantasy films of early 2027, carrying the weight of Lewis’s beloved source material and the high expectations that accompany Gerwig’s first project since ‘Barbie.’

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