Greta Gerwig Reveals Her Narnia Movie Is a Rock Opera and First Look Image Released

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Greta Gerwig has always taken a unique approach to adaptations, and her upcoming film based on C.S. Lewis’s cherished fantasy series is no different. After years of keeping details under wraps, ‘Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew’ is finally being unveiled, with Empire providing insights into what Gerwig has been crafting.

The first look features young leads Digory Kirke and Polly Plummer, portrayed by newcomers David McKenna and Beatrice Campbell, as they stand behind Emma Mackey’s Jadis within a stunning, glowing portal. This image offers fans a glimpse of the film’s visual grandeur ahead of its theatrical release on February 12, 2027.

In her conversation with Empire, Gerwig shared her ambitious vision for the film, surprising many with her description of it as a “rock opera.” Rather than rehashing previous adaptations, she aims to create a narrative rooted in C.S. Lewis’s origin story, focusing on the birth of Narnia itself.

Gerwig clarified that she is not creating a musical. Instead, she draws inspiration from the British rock scene of the ’60s and ’70s, with influences from iconic artists like David Bowie and Paul McCartney. This musical framework aligns with the story’s core premise: Aslan sings Narnia into existence.

One of the film’s notable changes is its setting, which Gerwig has shifted from the early-1900s Edwardian era to postwar 1950s London. This transformation reimagines Digory and Polly as part of a generation that would go on to shape rock and roll. Gerwig even mused about how David Jones became David Bowie, suggesting a connection to Narnia.

The Bowie influence is evident in Aslan’s design, featuring heterochromic eyes and a striking red-striped face, which has sparked discussions since its reveal. With Meryl Streep confirmed as the voice of Aslan, this character represents a significant reimagining within the Narnia franchise.

The new image showcases Digory and Polly following Jadis through an intricately designed portal, hinting at the ambitious scale and visual spectacle Gerwig aims to achieve with this adaptation.

In addition to the young leads, the cast includes Carey Mulligan as Digory’s mother Mabel Kirke, Daniel Craig as Uncle Andrew, and other notable actors like Ciarán Hinds and Denise Gough. The film is produced by Mark Gordon, Amy Pascal, Vincent Sieber-Smith, and Gerwig, with Douglas Gresham and Melvin Adams serving as executive producers for the C.S. Lewis Estate.

Netflix will manage domestic distribution for the film, while Sony Pictures Entertainment will handle international distribution. This distribution strategy, along with a full theatrical release before streaming, highlights Netflix’s commitment to this project within its lineup.

‘Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew’ is set to hit theaters worldwide on February 12, 2027, followed by its streaming debut on Netflix on April 2. With Empire’s complete magazine issue, featuring set visits and interviews, set to release on September 24, more details about Gerwig’s rock-and-roll reimagining of Narnia’s origin story are on the way.

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