Meryl Streep considers role as Aslan in Greta Gerwig's Narnia adaptation
- Meryl Streep is reportedly in talks to portray Aslan in Greta Gerwig's adaptation of a C.S. Lewis novel.
- The upcoming film will adapt the sixth book in the Narnia series, focusing on the origins of Narnia.
- The creative choices and casting decisions are generating excitement and curiosity around the project.
In early 2025, discussions surfaced regarding Meryl Streep's potential role as Aslan the Great Lion in an upcoming film adaptation by Greta Gerwig and Netflix, which plans to explore the Narnia universe through 'The Magician's Nephew.' The movie adaptation is based on C.S. Lewis's classic novels and aims to chronologically tell the origin story of Narnia, centering around characters Digory Kirke and Polly Plummer, who discover this magical world through the magic of Digory's uncle. The screenplay reportedly aims to portray Aslan as a female character, a unique twist on the traditionally male character that serves as an allegory for Jesus within the novels. While Meryl Streep's involvement is not finalized, it has garnered significant attention in the film industry, considering her illustrious career and the prestige she brings. This adaptation will not only mark a notable shift in characterization but also aims to intrigue a broad audience in a narrative that combines themes of magic and morality. As the project prepares for filming later this year, additional discussions include Daniel Craig, who is rumored to be in talks to participate, possibly taking on the role of Digory's uncle. Singer Charli XCX is also considered for the role of the white witch, suggesting a diverse cast that could appeal to various demographics. Gerwig's previous success with the box office hit 'Barbie' has positioned her as a prominent figure in this adaptation, marking a pivotal moment in her career as she transitions from a stylish comedy to a fantasy epic. With expectations of a theater release, the movie is set to have an exclusive two-week Imax global run before becoming available on Netflix. The combination of a classic literary tale, a transformative approach to characters, and a director renowned for her creative vision makes this upcoming film a highly anticipated project. The film reflects a broader trend within the film industry of reimagining classic stories to resonate with today's audiences, highlighting themes and character representations that align with contemporary social perspectives.