Greta Gerwig’s ‘Narnia The Magician’s Nephew’ Trailer Divides Fans Over Glam Rock Aesthetic

Adapting a cherished fantasy series is always a significant undertaking, and few franchises resonate as deeply with readers as C.S. Lewis’s ‘The Chronicles of Narnia’. Thus, it was expected that the first trailer for Greta Gerwig’s ‘Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew’ would ignite discussions online.

The film faced scrutiny even before any footage was released. Initial criticism from conservative media centered on Gerwig’s involvement and the choice to cast Meryl Streep as the voice of Aslan, the franchise’s iconic lion. Netflix is also making waves by providing the movie with its largest theatrical release to date.

Now that the trailer has been unveiled, reactions from fans regarding Gerwig’s ‘Narnia’ footage are mixed. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the glam rock-inspired preview, set to Led Zeppelin’s notoriously difficult-to-license “Stairway to Heaven,” has elicited a wide range of responses, from enthusiastic praise to critiques claiming the film has “lost its soul to CGI.”

Supporters of the trailer are vocal, with many stating it exceeded their expectations. Some viewers even hailed it as one of the best trailers they’ve encountered in years. Others appreciated its exploration of the more pagan, mythic aspects of Narnia, with one fan comparing the blend of Jim Henson fantasy, early ‘Harry Potter’, and Led Zeppelin to an unexpected yet delightful experience.

The most celebrated moment appears to be the depiction of Narnia’s creation. Aslan is shown emerging from stars before roaring into existence, bringing a new world to life. Many fans expressed that the image of a cosmic lion crafting a universe was truly breathtaking.

However, not everyone is on board. The most frequent criticism targets the trailer’s psychedelic space-rock visuals, with many viewers drawing comparisons to Marvel films, joking about ‘Thor: Love and Thunder’ and ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ across social media. Others acknowledged the trailer’s stunning visuals but felt it lacked elements that truly represented Narnia.

Some feedback was more specific. Several viewers were not convinced by the aesthetics of Charn and Jadis, with some labeling those sections as tacky. Others expressed concern that the CGI-heavy visuals might overshadow the original charm of the story, while some enjoyed the trailer but wished Gerwig had applied her style to a different franchise.

In addition to the music, the footage features Digory and Polly stepping into a bizarre new world, a flight on a winged horse, and Jadis in a shimmering mirror-panel dress and metallic armor. Observers noted that while some effects, like the creation sequence and the winged horse, were impressive, other moments felt almost staged.

It’s important to note that the production incorporated practical elements. Reports indicate that the film utilized puppeteers, creature performers, and real animals, alongside contributions from VFX studios like Framestore, Weta FX, and Eyeline. This combination may help explain the trailer’s stylized feel.

A Universe Begins. See how Narnia was created in Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew, a film by Greta Gerwig – only in theaters February 12. https://t.co/jwxksCL0N7

— Netflix (@netflix) October 13, 2026

The trailer premiered at an IMAX event in New York, accompanied by a Q&A session with Stephen Colbert. Attendees wore light-up rings synchronized with key moments in the footage, and Gerwig was visibly emotional after the trailer was shown. Mark Ronson and Andrew Wyatt, her collaborators from ‘Barbie’, return to compose the score.

‘Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew’ is set to hit theaters and IMAX on February 12, 2027, with IMAX previews beginning on February 10, before it streams on Netflix starting April 2. David McKenna and Beatrice Campbell portray Digory and Polly, with Emma Mackey as Jadis, Daniel Craig as Uncle Andrew, and Streep voicing Aslan. Carey Mulligan, Ciarán Hinds, and Denise Gough complete the ensemble.

The polarized response is hardly surprising for a franchise with such a dedicated readership. Gerwig has shifted the story from the Victorian era to 1955, and she has expressed her desire for a rock opera, making the trailer’s bold approach consistent with her vision.

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