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Three years after their last feature film, “The Gray Man,” premiered on Netflix and one year before they make their return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, directors Anthony and Joe Russo are back. Their latest offering, “The Electric State,” is a sci-fi blockbuster with a hefty price tag. The film, which continues the Russos’ ongoing creative partnership with Netflix, has a reported budget of $320 million — making it one of the most expensive movies ever made.

Only films based on pre-existing pieces of intellectual property typically get that kind of financial support in Hollywood these days. Is “The Electric State” based on a book, though? Here is what you should know about the new, expensive Netflix film’s origins.

Is “The Electric State” based on a book?

Yes! “The Electric State” is not, however, based on a traditional book. It is, instead, loosely based on a 2018 illustrated novel by acclaimed Swedish artist Simon Stålenhag.

James Bond Star Daniel Craig To Be Cast On Netflix’s Chronicles of Narnia Reboot? (Photo Credit – Instagram)

C.S. Lewis’s The Chronicles of Narnia has been a cornerstone of fantasy literature since the first book, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, was published in 1950. The seven-book series, filled with adventure, magic, and emotional themes, has been loved by generations of readers. Lewis’s vision of Narnia, a land ruled by the majestic lion Aslan, has remained one of the most beloved fictional worlds in literary history. Now, Netflix is set to revive The Chronicles of Narnia with a fresh cinematic universe, and speculation is running wild about the cast, including the possible addition of Daniel Craig.

Over the years, The Chronicles of Narnia has seen multiple adaptations, the most notable being the early 2000s film series produced by Walden Media. The 2005 film The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe became a massive hit,...

Greta Gerwig and Netflix are set to tread new ground with their Chronicles of Narnia reboot. The role Daniel Craig is being eyed for has reportedly been revealed, and it's a character that only appears in one Narnia book.

According to What's on Netflix, Craig has been offered the role of Andrew Ketterley, the eccentric and morally ambiguous uncle of Digory Kirke who is one of the main antagonists of The Magician's Nephew. Published in 1955 as the sixth Narnia novel, The Magician's Nephew is chronologically the first story set in C.S. Lewis' fantasy series. The report adds that Gerwig will be adapting the 1955 children's novel as her first of two Narnia movies, which is tentatively titled Narnia: The Magician's Nephew.

Craig's potential casting in Netflix's Narnia reboot was first reported earlier this week by Deadline, who stated that "he does hold the offer," although it's unclear whether he will take it,...

Following the recent reports that the casting of Greta Gerwig’s Narnia movie franchise is now underway, a new rumor has suggested that the first film in the franchise is already eyeing a big-name star to play a key role. As per What’s on Netflix, the adaptation of The Magician’s Nephew is looking to snag former James Bond star Daniel Craig as Uncle Andrew Ketterley, one of the main antagonists of the first book in The Chronicles of Narnia.

In the story, Andrew is Digory Kirke’s eccentric and morally ambiguous uncle. As one of the antagonists of The Magician’s Nephew. Andrew is the magician of the title, and an alchemist who, in the books, tricks Digory’s friend into entering the world that most people know as lying beyond an unassuming wardrobe. Through Andrew's experiments, Jadis, the White Witch, is transported to London, and mayhem follows with her.

Last Updated on March 14, 2025

Deadline reports that Netflix is looking at Daniel Craig to join the cast of Greta Gerwig’s Chronicles of Narnia movie. There are no details on who Craig might play, but the report states that it’s still very early in the process.

Production on the Chronicles of Narnia movie is expected to kick off later this year, so we should hear more casting news in the near future. In fact, it was reported last week that Grammy-winning artist Charli Xcx was also being eyed for a role in the movie, believed to be Jadis the White Witch.

Nothing has been officially announced yet, but it’s likely that the film will be an adaptation of The Magician’s Nephew. Although it was the sixth book published in the seven-novel series, it takes place 1000 years before the events of The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe.

Sword and sandal films cover a wide range of subgenres, from historical dramas, biblical tales, and fantasy, to mythological epics. Through the decades, Hollywood has been enamored by the stunning sets, genius special effects, and colorful pageantry of stories told in bygone times with a romanticized lens. As the palettes of audiences have become saltier for more "grounded" and "gritty" versions of their favorite heroic tales, a surge to remake them has built a monotony in the styles of directors who try to market to this visual flavor.

However, with the dynamic range that Christopher Nolan has showcased over his years of dazzling the world with his films spanning a plethora of genres, audiences are enticed by how he will approach his adaptation of The Odyssey. As a way to prepare for such a revisit of a time-honored legend, here are films that will prime audiences for the kind of...

Netflix first announced plans to re-adapt C.S. Lewis' beloved tales from The Chronicles of Narnia back in 2018, and in 2022, we found out that none other than Greta Gerwig (Barbie) was set to direct at least two Narnia movies for the streaming service.

Development has been a slow process, but we finally have our first major piece of casting news, and it's likely to be met with a mixed response.

According to Deadline, pop singer Charli Xcx has entered talks for a key role in the new saga, and the trade believes she will play - providing a deal is struck - the villainous Jadis, aka the White Witch.

Apparently, the Grammy winner - who has just been announced as co-headliner of Saturday’s portion of this year’s Glastonbury Festival alongside the legendary Neil Young - is "among the top choices" to play the character, but nothing is set...

If Charli Xcx joins the cast of Greta Gerwig’s Narnia movie, the Pevensie family could find a pile of panties in their wardrobe. According to Deadline, Gerwig is eyeing the Grammy-winning artist for her upcoming film based on The Chronicles of Narnia on Netflix. The outlet says Charli Xcx is in the running for a key role, though details remain a mystery.

Whispers about Charli Xcx possibly joining the Narnia cast arrive after hearing she’ll co-headline Saturday’s portion of this year’s Glastonbury Festival alongside Neil Young and Chrome Hearts, Doechii, Deftones, Beth Gibbons, Amyl and the Sniffers, Beabadoobee, Caribou, and many more. While Charli Xcx’s potential Narnia role remains unknown, Deadline suggests she could play Jadis, The White Witch.

According to Jason Isaacs, Greta Gerwig’s Narnia movie is an adaptation of The Magician’s Nephew, a prequel to the original tale. “I loved all...

Greta Gerwig has been hard at work on a new adaptation of The Chronicles of Narnia for Netflix. Amidst reports that she has secured a theatrical release, including plenty of IMAX screens, it seems Gerwig is close to finding at least one major cast member for the blockbuster project. Previously played by Tilda Swinton in the 2005 film adaptation, Narnia could feature the brattiest witch of them all if a new report is to be trusted.

According to Deadline, worldwide pop star sensation Charli Xcx is being eyed to play Jadis the White Witch in Netflix's upcoming Narnia movie franchise. No deal has been struck yet, and while the trade is not 100% confident that it is for the iconic villain, Narnia would be by far the artist's most high-profile acting gig yet. Deadline adds that Charli Xcx is among several actors on the top of the list for the White Witch,...

The world of The Chronicles of Narnia has long been appeasing fans worldwide, first through the book series and then through live-action. And while the last flick from the official film series — The Voyage of the Dawn Treader — was released almost a decade and a half ago, Greta Gerwig is all set to revive the saga with a reboot.

Greta Gerwig. | Credits: Time / YouTube.

However, as tremendously acclaimed a filmmaker as the Barbie director is and as epic as the fantasy lore by C. S. Lewis is, fans are already keeping their expectations low with this upcoming revamped Narnia universe. This is because the brains behind the same are reportedly planning a whopping 8 movies in the series, which is nothing short of disastrous news in itself.

Greta Gerwig’s Narnia is planning an 8-installments film series A still from the original The Chronicles of Narnia film series. | Credits: The Walt Disney Company.

Greta Gerwig hasn't even begun shooting her new take on C.S. Lewis' The Chronicles of Narnia, but Netflix already views the film as the start of its next big franchise. As well as being one of the few Netflix original movies that has been granted an IMAX release, Gerwig's Narnia could begin Netflix's longest running film franchise so far. The past adaptation of Narnia, titled The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe was granted two sequels by Disney (Prince Caspian and The Voyage of the Dawn Treader), and managed to adapt three of the seven Chronicles of Narnia novels written by Lewis. But, Netflix apparently wants to take things much further than that.

Per a new report from Deadline, IMAX CEO, Rich Gerlfond has revealed that Netflix wants to stretch its new Chronicles of Narnia movie into an eight-film franchise. Gerlfond dropped the bombshell during IMAX's earning call, and...

Disney's The Lion the Witch in the Wardrobe movie is 20 years old this year. Despite two sequels eventually coming out in theaters, Prince Caspian and The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, the franchise never got to adapt the whole of The Chronicles of Narnia book series by C.W. Lewis. But now, enough time has passed for Netflix to try making its own set of Narnia movies, and they've hired Barbie director Greta Gerwig to helm them. While Netflix is often loathe to release its movies is theaters, her first Narnia film will get a (limited) theatrical release!

Netflix has released a few movies in theaters over the years. For instance, tick, tick…Boom!, Army of the Dead and The Power of the Dog got limited theatrical releases. But mostly, new Netflix movies drop on the streaming service and there they remain, never to be experienced on the big screen.

But...

Greta Gerwig fans jumped for joy when Netflix granted the new Narnia adaptation a limited IMAX release, before the film arrives on the streamer in 2026. But, according to Netflix's CEO, Ted Sarandos, subscribers shouldn't get used to it. After Gerwig's new take on C.S. Lewis' beloved series of fantasy books was announced, the director went toe-to-toe with Netflix, asking for the movie to receive a theatrical release. The streamer permitted it, with the new Narnia adaptation releasing in 1,000 IMAX theaters before hitting Netflix. However, other Netflix original movies won't be so lucky.

During Netflix's quarterly company call (via Deadline), Ted Sarandos revealed that Narnia's IMAX release will be the exception, not the new rule, for the company's general release strategy for new movies. "Our core strategy is to give our members exclusive first round movies on Netflix," Sarandos said. While fans are happy that they will get to...

Following the success of Barbie in 2023, Greta Gerwig's upcoming project will be a new retelling of The Chronicles of Narnia. Gerwig will collaborate with Netflix for the upcoming reboot and has scored a major win for it to receive a wide release.

Initially supposed to be released on Netflix, IMAX has reportedly expressed interest in screening the upcoming adaptation of Narnia. The deal might've been difficult, considering Netflix's policy on theatrical releases but, after months of negotiations, the movie will be officially heading to IMAX. Per Variety, Narnia will be exclusively released on Imax's screens worldwide two weeks in advance before the movie's wide release on Netflix. The Narnia film will premiere on Netflix on Christmas 2026, with an Imax release on Thanksgiving Day of the same year.

Related Netflix Spends Big Bucks for Popular 'BookTok' Series Adaptation

Move over, Bridgerton, a new steamy literary romance is making its way to Netflix.

Just as Barbie was getting great buzz, it was announced that Greta Gerwig would be helming an adaptation of The Chronicle of Narnia for Netflix. The streamer has been eyeing this epic adaptation to be one of their releases for Christmas in 2026. There has been talk that Gerwig would naturally be hoping for her new film to have a theatrical release. Perhaps it was when Barbie became the juggernaut hit of 2023 that influenced their decision, but Netflix is now giving Gerwig what she wished for. Sort of.

According to Deadline, Netflix is now set to release Gerwig’s Narnia adaptation in IMAX globally for Thanksgiving on November 26, 2026. However, the movie would be released in a limited two-week window before ultimately streaming on the platform on Christmas Day. This plan is similar to when Rian Johnson’s Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery was given a short theater run before streaming...

All film and television genres allow an audience to find a temporary escape from reality, but fantasy takes this to a whole other level. Fantasy movies, in particular, pack so much wonder and magic into a condensed two-hour package, the best of which often come from multi-movie franchises.

These fantasy movie franchises can be original creations or adaptations of books, but as long as they have spectacular new worlds, concepts, and interesting characters to explore across multiple movies, audiences have plenty to invest in. Fantasy takes its audiences on a journey through fictional creativity, but the best franchises get bigger and better backing with budgets and CGI capabilities, allowing a more memorable experience.

Updated by Timothy Blake Donohoo on January 11, 2025: There are numerous major fantasy franchises in pop culture, including fantasy movie franchises. Some are obvious, while others might not immediately evoke the genre. Nevertheless, these films are all...

It's looking as if Greta Gerwig's The Chronicles of Narnia movie is all set up to avoid a problem that doomed the Disney Narnia series. C.S. Lewis' beloved fantasy book series has been adapted to the screen several times, but never in its entirety. Typically, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is what comes to general audiences' minds when they consider the Narnia franchise, and that's because it's often the first to be adapted. However, Disney proved this is not the best way to go since the Pevensies' first adventure in Narnia is challenging to follow up.

Disney released The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe in 2005, and the film was a fair success. It brought in $745 million at the global box office, so it was no surprise that Disney jumped into further sequels. Unfortunately, The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian and The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader...

With The Chronicles of Narnia about to receive a redo, it is the perfect time to look back on the Disney movies and observe some harsh realities. Greta Gerwig's Chronicles of Narnia reboot is around the corner, and it is a mystery what approach the dramedy director will take to the two-part movie plan. The original movies were released between 2005 and 2010, adapting the famous novels by English writer C.S. Lewis. However, they did not always adapt them faithfully, and even when they did, they did not always adapt them well.

The Chronicles of Narnia books were written in the 1950s, and they exhibit the attitudes of the era. Lewis' Narnia series is his masterpiece, and the books are a classic for a reason. And yet, they do present studios and would-be adapters with the issue of transforming an archaic text for a modern audience. The difficulties of adapting Lewis'...

Warning! Spoilers ahead for the final book in The Chronicles of Narnia series, The Last Battle

The Chronicles of Narnia novels are a seminal work of children's fantasy by C.S. Lewis, and the Pevensie children play a huge role throughout the story. First described in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, the Pevensies introduce the audience to Narnia, and it's their influence and legacy that links the different installments together. Though the later books don't touch upon the four central children as much, they do reappear in the final novel, The Last Battle. However, when they return, Susan Pevensie, the oldest girl, doesn't have the same ending as everyone else.

There's been speculation about how the Narnia books will be brought to life in Greta Gerwig's upcoming adaptation of the novels. While the development and characterization of all the Pevensies is vitally important, Gerwig's Narnia adaptation must bring justice to Susan Pevensie,...

Greta Gerwig has been confirmed to be directing the first two movies in Netflix's upcoming reboot of The Chronicles of Narnia franchise. However, not much is known about what the director and studio intend to do with the many avenues and opportunities that the project can take advantage of. There have been rumors that the films will take place in chronological order rather than release order, which would be a significant divergence from the format of the original Disney movies. However, a big change like this could be the element Netflix needs for the project to stand apart.

While nothing is confirmed, Jason Isaacs has hinted that Gerwig's Narnia movie might be a prequel. This would mean that the first installment in the upcoming Narnia franchise would have to adapt The Magician's Nephew. The second to last book in the series, The Magician's Nephew, gives insight into Narnia's...

This actor from the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) may have had his MCU debut in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, but his 2013 comedy movie is now trending on Netflix. The Guardians of the Galaxy 3 cast saw the return of many fan-favorite MCU characters, including leading characters Star Lord/Peter Quill (Chris Pratt), Gamora (Zoe Saldaña), and Rocket (Bradley Cooper), among others, but there were also brand-new faces. Among the new additions to the MCU in Guardians of the Galaxy 3 was Will Poulter, who played Adam Warlock in the movie.

The McU's Adam Warlock proved interesting, in part because there were several differences compared to Adam Warlock in the comics. At present, it's unclear what Adam Warlock's MCU future could look like, which raises questions about Poulter's continued role in the franchise. However, Will Poulter has been in a number of other movies, and one, We're The Millers, is now trending on Netflix,...

Casting Netflix's upcoming take on The Chronicles of Narnia will be a tall order, as many longtime fans and critics have strong opinions about who should portray the beloved characters. One actress who was frequently discussed in fan-casting conversations was Saoirse Ronan, who has worked with the director Greta Gerwig many times before. Though Ronan has denied rumors of her being cast in Narnia in the past, there's always potential that this could change (via Deadline). However, it's certain that Ronan could not portray Susan Pevensie, the role she's been fan-cast as.

Greta Gerwig's Narnia remake must bring justice to Susan, one of the most underdeveloped of the Pevensie children. Ronan is often mentioned within the Susan casting discussion because her fair features and longtime partnership with Gerwig make her an obvious choice. However, Ronan has aged out of this role, and it's well-known that adults aren't welcome in Narnia.

The Chronicles of Narnia are fantastical films filled with wonder, talking animals, magic, and an evil queen. So, pretty rock and roll, right? Well, according to a recent interview with producer Amy Pascal, Greta Gerwig, director of the unexpected hit Barbie, thinks that's exactly the direction the new adaptation of the fantasy children's books needs to take. The epic novels about the world inside the wardrobe by famous author C.S. Lewis are filled with wonder and whimsy, but also depict a full-blown and bloody war between good and evil, so maybe Gerwig is onto something.

In her interview, Pascal told Deadline that the "very new take on Narnia, all about rock and roll" will start filming in July 2025. But what does that mean, you ask? It could mean literally anything when it comes to Gerwig's incredibly unique directorial vision. With Pascal producing — and also having been a producer for Gerwig's...

Back in July of 2023, it was announced that Barbie director Greta Gerwig had been hired to write and direct at least two Chronicles of Narnia films for the Netflix streaming service. We haven’t heard any details on this project, we don’t even know for sure which book(s) Gerwig has chosen to bring to the screen, but during an interview with Deadline, producer Amy Pascal said (with thanks to Total Film for the transcription) that Gerwig has a “very new take on Narnia. It’s all about rock ‘n’ roll.” Meanwhile, actor Jason Isaacs is spreading the rumor that the first Narnia book that Gerwig is adapting is the prequel The Magician’s Nephew!

While listing his favorite books, Isaacs told The Week, “I loved all the Narnia books as a kid. When Peter was told he wouldn’t be coming back, I understood something devastating about mortality.

C.S. Lewis's The Chronicles of Narnia series includes seven books. Though The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe is the most popular, the series has many wonderful sequels. Some are standalone adventures. Some expand on the world of Narnia beyond its borders. Some dive into Narnia's history, and some tell a dark story.

Each of The Chronicles of Narnia books is distinctly different, and that's the charm of Lewis' book series. While many may enjoy The Last Battle due to its grimmer tone and close resemblance to people in the real world, others may enjoy the more adventure-centered books in the series. Not all books feature the four Pevensies siblings; but the good thing is, Lewis also introduces more fascinating characters along the way.

The Last Battle Is the Darkest in the Series

The reception of the author's last offering in the Chronicles of Narnia series varies largely.

This article contains spoilers for The Last Battle.

Aslan destroys Narnia in the last book of The Chronicles of Narnia a potentially confusing decision with cataclysmic consequences. This is a key aspect of the story and understanding it helps readers grasp the broader intentions of creator C.S. Lewis. Unfortunately, The Chronicles of Narnia movies never got far enough to portray the destruction of Narnia. Only the first three Narnia books were adapted, with the series stopped after the commercial disappointment of The Voyage of the Dawn Treader. Perhaps the upcoming Greta Gerwig Narnia movies can finally show Narnia's destruction as depicted in the source material.

Greta Gerwig, the director of Barbie, will be helming a new set of movies adapting C.S. Lewis' Chronicles of Narnia books for Netflix. The streaming service only has to get to C.S. Lewis' fourth chronicle, The Silver Chair, to beat the Noughties...

The Max Holiday 2024 collection That Time of Year is now live on the streaming service. The collection will serve as the hub for holiday content, showcasing an extensive selection of series, films, and more, guaranteed to bring joy and cheer to viewers during the festive season.

The That Time of Year collection kicks off the festivities today by spotlighting themed curations like “Comfort & Joy,” “Families We’re Thankful For” and “Season of Romance,” featuring new Max Original film Sweethearts (debuting Nov. 28) and others, making it seamless for subscribers to discover holiday classics and new favorites on Max.

On top of celebrating the 20th anniversary of Polar Express, viewers can also dive into nostalgic fan favorite films such as A Christmas Story, Elf, Holiday Harmony, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, and ageless holiday classics like A Christmas Carol, A Christmas Story, A Carol for Another Christmas, Meet Me In St. Louis (Dec.

‘That Time of Year’ 2024 on Max

Max is celebrating the winter holidays with the “That Time of Year” collection, a special page featuring selected holiday films and series. The streamer’s also bringing back its special Yule log collection, with the 2024 selection including “World of Westeros Dragon Egg Yule Log,” “Harry Potter: Fireplace,” and “A Very Merry Rickmas Yule Log.”

2024’s been a tough year so holiday favorites Elf, A Christmas Story, and National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation will help take our minds off the world. Max’s lineup also includes the classic holiday films A Christmas Carol, A Carol for Another Christmas, Meet Me In St. Louis, and The Shop Around the Corner. And beginning November 29, the streamers highlighting favorite holiday episodes of Friends, Abbott Elementary, Young Sheldon, and The Big Bang Theory.

Max’s “That Time of Year” Highlights:

Holiday Essentials

8-Bit Christmas (2021)

A Carol for Another Christmas (1964)

A Christmas Carol...

Barbie director Greta Gerwig will helm the upcoming Chronicles of Narnia remake, and Henry Cavill has proved his readiness to feature in it. Netflix will distribute Gerwig's Narnia remake after the 2000s movie series ground to a halt after The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader. Walt Disney and Walden Media joined forces to make the first two movies, but Disney quit after Prince Caspian's box office disappointment, leaving the third movie an even smaller affair, and the remaining books unadapted. So, Gerwig's reboot offers C.S. Lewis' books a new chance, with a 2007 Cavill project providing a perfect template.

Little is known about Gerwig's upcoming Chronicles of Narnia reboot, scheduled for 2026, thus far. With no casting confirmed, it remains speculative who will or should represent the characters of The Chronicles of Narnia books. The Londoners Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy Pevensie get evacuated to the English...

The announcement of Greta Gerwig adapting the beloved Narnia books based on the work of cherished author C.S. Lewis has undoubtedly caused a stir of interest in fans of both literature and cinema. Her addition to the project, which is being produced for Netflix, is a welcome choice for many, given Gerwig's current status as one of the hottest directors working in Hollywood and her ability to handle content that explores religious themes.

Many details of the production, including the cast and release date, remain up in the air, with the movie still in the pre-production period. However, plenty of speculation and some confirmed details about the production are starting to give fans an idea of what they may be able to expect with the upcoming Narnia films. Here are all the details we know.

Greta Gerwig's Narnia Movies Will Likely Stay Close to the Source Material

Disney

Details on...

C.S. Lewis' seminal children's book series, The Chronicles of Narnia, has been highly influential in the way young people's fantasy literature has developed. One of the key features of Lewis' universe is that when the Pevensie children get older, they can't return to Narnia. In the books, Aslan is the voice of reason and imparts his wisdom and many of the rules of Narnia to the children. One of these is that Peter and Susan, the oldest Pevensie children, won't be able to come back after the events of Prince Caspian, but it's never explicitly stated why.

The Narnia reboot will struggle to fix problems from the books, and the open-ended questions and weaker world-building are some of the biggest issues with the novels. It will be interesting to see how Greta Gerwig handles mysteries like why adults aren't allowed in Narnia and if the movies will explicitly state why.

Disney's Chronicles of Narnia adaptations ended after just three films, and there are a few reasons why. Written by C.S. Lewis, The Chronicles of Narnia books are an iconic seven-volume series, regarded as some of the greatest children's fantasy of all time. They've been adapted multiple times, with The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe being developed as a TV series in the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s. The '80s version, which was brought to life for BBC, actually managed to cover the first four novels.

In the 2000s, Walden Media and Walt Disney Pictures obtained the rights to develop film adaptations, which became the definitive versions for many young audiences in the 2000s. The 2005 adaptation of Lewis's first novel featured Liam Neeson as Aslan, Tilda Swinton as the White Witch, and an excellent cast of young actors to play the Pevensie children. The Disney versions of the best Narnia adaptations available,...

Netflix's The Chronicles of Narnia reboot films may reportedly get the big-screen treatment. The upcoming movies, two of which are directed by Oscar-nominated filmmaker Greta Gerwig, could feature in IMAX theaters in a surprising concession from the streaming giant.

According to Bloomberg, IMAX has expressed interest in screening Gerwig's installments of The Chronicles of Narnia, hoping to strike a deal with Netflix to show the films. However, the deal could be difficult to strike given Netflix's strict policy on limited theatrical releases for its movies, with various exhibitors unsuccessfully asking the service for concessions. Another report by THR states that sources have confirmed Gerwig's talks with IMAX.

"In fact, as you know, directors, film studios are all leaning into the IMAX experience, company CEO Rich Gelfond said in a company call this week, though he didn't specifically name Gerwig. "We are always innovating and looking for new approaches to eventizing content.

While Greta Gerwig moves from one major franchise to another, as she is hard at work on the long-rumored The Chronicles of Narnia remake, the beloved director's new movie won't be heading to a theater near you. Gerwig's Narnia remake has been rumored ever since her incredible success with Barbie. Gerwig has partnered with Netflix for the multi-million dollar remake of C.S. Lewis' acclaimed novels. However, the two parties aren't seeing eye-to-eye on a release schedule.

According to What I'm Hearing (the newsletter written by Matthew Belloni), Greta Gerwig is pushing for a theatrical release for her Narnia remake. However, Netflix reportedly wants to release the movie directly to streaming. Gerwig, who rose through the ranks of the indie filmmaking scene, has obvious reasons for wanting a theatrical release. The director is a staunch defender of the theater-going experience, and understandably wants audiences to witness her second potential blockbuster on the big screen.

The Chronicles of Narnia is soon getting a reboot at Netflix, which may delve further into the arcs of minor characters from the books. Right after the smash hit of Barbie, acclaimed director Greta Gerwig is taking on at least two of the new Narnia movies. With such a talented writer-director behind the wheel, known for nuanced stories that make good use of supporting characters, everyone is eager to see how the main and minor characters take shape in the new movies.

Book (chronological order)

Release date

The Magician's Nephew

1955

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

1950

The Horse and His Boy

1954

Prince Caspian

1951

The Voyage of the Dawn Treader

1952

The Silver Chair

1953

The Last Battle

1956

Gerwig's Narnia's release date is unknown, as are the cast and story details. However, there are several things for Gerwig's Narnia movies to fix, one of which is world-building and characterizations only being...

Greta Gerwig will helm the upcoming adaptation of The Chronicles of Narnia, and the classic fantasy series will get the same treatment as the director's other projects. A hallmark of Gerwig's work is how character-driven her narratives are, and this can fix some of the underdeveloped individuals and storylines in the original books. Written by C.S. Lewis, the Narnia novels are best known for following the adventures of the Pevensie children. However, Lewis' later installments expand the world of Narnia and touch upon exciting new heroes and villains. The White Witch isn't the series' only terrifying antagonist.

There are harsh realities of reading The Chronicles of Narnia series today, but many are fixable issues that will allow Gerwig to take creative liberties with her adaptation. Part of the reason the Narnia books are still so popular is because of how compelling the original conflict of the first book is. The...

C.S. Lewis' beloved children's fantasy series The Chronicles of Narnia has never received a movie adaptation that's done the story justice, but Greta Gerwig might be able to change this. The Barbie and Little Women filmmaker is taking on the challenge of reintroducing audiences to the world of Narnia, and as a fan of the series and Gerwig's work, I have high hopes for the project. There are many directions that Gerwig could take the narrative and adhere to the novels, but there's also an aspect unique to the films that should be revisited.

The Pevensie children introduce the audience to Narnia and play a vital role throughout the first book, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. However, Gerwig's Chronicles of Narnia movies can fix many Pevensie problems, as the series' central characters are sometimes underdeveloped by Lewis. While Lewis's character arcs for most of the Pevensies are compelling,...

As a series of books that was wrapped up decades ago, there are a lot of things about The Chronicles of Narnia that are harsh realities now. C.S. Lewis published his fantasy series drawing upon his own religious beliefs in the mid-20th century, quickly becoming a beloved staple of children's literature. Narnia is often compared to The Lord of the Rings, given the authors' friendship, the drastic differences in their approaches to their worlds inspired by medieval literature, and both series' huge impact on the fantasy genre.

Book (chronological order)

Release date

The Magician's Nephew

1955

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

1950

The Horse and His Boy

1954

Prince Caspian

1951

The Voyage of the Dawn Treader

1952

The Silver Chair

1953

The Last Battle

1956

With Greta Gerwig's upcoming Narnia movies, which will reboot the series' cinematic franchise, the discussion of what is outdated in Narnia is more alive than ever. While...

Greta Gerwig's The Chronicles of Narnia can improve upon an issue with the Pevensie children in the later books. Netflix's upcoming adaptations have Gerwig directing and writing two Narnia films so far, but all the installments in C.S. Lewis' beloved fantasy series may ultimately be adapted if the first two prove to be a success. Prior to Netflix acquiring the rights, Disney adapted The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe, Prince Caspian, and The Voyage of the Dawn Treader.

The four Pevensie childrenPeter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucyare at the heart of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe as they discover the magical land of Narnia, help save it, and become the realm's kings and queens. All four Pevensies return to Narnia in Prince Caspian, while only Edmund and Lucy return in The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, along with their cousin, Eustace Scrubb. The Pevensies are...

Netflix's The Chronicles of Narnia reboot should explore one of the most compelling details from The Magician's Nephew. The streamer previously acquired the rights to C.S. Lewis' beloved Chronicles of Narnia books and will adapt them as a series of films. From 2005-2010, Disney adapted The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, Prince Caspian, and The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, but did not touch The Magician's Nephew or the other installments in Lewis' series.

That is likely to change with Greta Gerwig's version of Narnia. Gerwig is attached to direct and write at least the first two of Netflix's Narnia films and has shared that she is a lifelong fan of the source material. Since the series chronologically begins with The Magician's Nephew, which features the creation of Narnia itself, the upcoming reboot is likely to feature this story, with the adaptation hopefully expanding on...

Greta Gerwig's Chronicles Of Narnia reboot should expand on the story of one key character from The Magician's Nephew that the novel never did. The original Chronicles Of Narnia film trilogy focused on the adventures of the Pevensie children, with the final film, The Voyage Of The Dawn Treader, giving Lucy (Georgie Henley) and Edmund (Skandar Keynes) the spotlight before they left Narnia forever. However, as more updates for Greta Gerwig's Narnia arrive, audiences may be introduced to another key story in Narnia's history from before the Pevensies' fateful journey through the wardrobe.

The Narnia reboot will follow The Magician's Nephew's story, which highlights how the iconic lampost got to Narnia. The novel shows how two children, Digory and Polly, are tricked into traveling across worlds by Digory's evil Uncle Andrew, leading to their discovery of Narnia and many other adventures along the way. One character,...

Although we don't yet know which two books Greta Gerwig is adapting for Netflix's The Chronicles of Narnia reboot, I'm tentatively excited to see how the adaptation nails one of the books' worst villains: Uncle Andrew. A series of seven children's fantasy novels by C.S. Lewis, The Chronicles of Narnia has made the leap from page to screen before, most notably with the 2005 adaptation of The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. Although it was published first, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe is actually the second installment in Lewis' Narnia book series.

I think most people envision the story of the 2005 film when they think of the Narnia novels, but I'm excited to see how Greta Gerwig's The Chronicles of Narnia reboot will tackle the book series and its unusual arc. Some sources indicate that Gerwig will tackle The Silver Chair first (via...

Netflix's upcoming Chronicles of Narnia movie has cast its first star. Based on a novel series by C.S. Lewis, The Chronicles of Narnia was first adapted for film in the form of the movie The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe in 2005. It was followed up by The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian in 2008 and The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader in 2010. Since then, Netflix has announced development on a new Chronicles of Narnia movie, which will be directed by Barbie's Greta Gerwig.

As per Deadline, Netflix's The Chronicles of Narnia movie has reportedly its first cast member. Said cast member is Louis Partridge.

More to come...

Source: Deadline...

Netflix is rebooting The Chronicles of Narnia films with Greta Gerwig attached to write and direct the first two installments. The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, Prince Caspian, and The Voyage of the Dawn Treader were previously adapted as films made by Disney, respectively released in 2005, 2008, and 2010. These adaptations featured a star-studded cast that included Tilda Swinton as the White Witch, James McAvoy as Mr. Tumnus, Liam Neeson as the voice of Aslan, and Ben Barnes as Prince Caspian.

While little is known about Gerwig's upcoming Narnia films, at least one of them is expected to be an adaptation of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, as it is the most well-known story in C.S. Lewis' series. As for the others, all seven of the Narnia books could potentially become their own films, including The Magician's Nephew, which chronologically precedes The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.

Netflix's Narnia adaptation faces challenges due to short book lengths, requiring careful adaptation for success. Gerwig needs to balance loyalty to source material while making necessary changes for Netflix's Narnia films. Avoiding Disney's mistakes, Netflix must stay true to Narnia's spirit for potential hit adaptations.

Greta Gerwig's The Chronicles of Narnia adaptation faces a difficult challenge due to the source material. Following the record-breaking success of Gerwig's Barbie, she is attached to write and direct at least two of Netflix's upcoming films based on the beloved book series by C.S. Lewis. While this is the first time Netflix has adapted the Narnia books, the series has been adapted numerous times in the past, including three films made by Disney.

Given her success with original stories like Lady Bird and Barbie, along with her critically acclaimed adaptation of the classic novel Little Women by Louisa May Alcott, Gerwig's...

Certain movie franchises were cut short by box office flops, indicating audience disinterest. Potential comebacks for movie franchises existed post-flop, with room for improvement after the first installment. Marketing mishaps, narrative errors, or industry circumstances halted potentially successful franchises.

A few movie franchises had strong potential but were cut short by one box office flop. It is not uncommon for movie franchises to be ended by a box office flop, which is the clearest indicator to a studio that audiences are no longer interested in the series. However, some abridged movie franchises did have a dedicated audience maybe just not one as big as studio executives were hoping for or flopped for other reasons, possibly marketing or the circumstances of the industry.

Certain franchises might have made a comeback after one bad movie or would have done better if the filmmakers were given the chance to learn from their mistakes.

Starting with The Magician's Nephew would honor Lewis' wishes, but may disappoint fans wanting The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe first. Gerwig's decision on where to start the Narnia series will heavily impact its success and viewership levels. The safer bet for Netflix may be to begin with The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe to attract a wider audience.

A faithful screen adaptation of C.S. Lewis' Chronicles of Narnia would follow the author's intended order, but this might not be the right choice for Greta Gerwig's upcoming films. The legendary children's fantasy author published seven books within his Narnia series, but he later admitted that the release order wasn't how he would prefer them to be read. Despite this, Disney's movie adaptations of Lewis' works started with The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, and while this isn't how many want Gerwig to proceed, anything different could present a problem.

Some movies, like Green Lantern, set up sequels with cliffhangers that may never be resolved. The Chronicles of Narnia hinted at future adventures that never materialized, leaving fans hanging. Eragon, Dawn of the Dead, and other films end with unresolved plot points, frustrating viewers who want closure.

Cinema is all about telling stories, and a definitive ending (or at least a largely firm one) is the norm. However, not every movie follows this pattern, and many don't even get the chance to. Some filmmakers like Alfred Hitchcock chose to have uncertain endings for their movies, with no intention of solving them for the audience. Other movies end on cliffhangers with the intent of picking it up in a sequel, but sometimes these don't materialize.

These movie cliffhangers often urge the viewer to infer their own ending from their imaginations, but sometimes they can be annoying too. When fans get invested in the story and characters,...

Quick Links Mr. Tumnus Introduces Fans to the Magical World Eustace Scrubb Was a Cousin of the Pevensie's Jadis/The White Witch is the Most Famous Villain of the Series Prince Caspian Leads Narnia After the Pevensies Aslan is the God of Narnia Edmund Pevensie Was the Villain Turned Hero of the Original Sibilings Lucy Pevensie Showed Fans the Magic of Narnia Susan Pevensie Was the Skeptic of the Family Peter Pevensie Helped to Liberate Narnia Where is the Cast of The Chronicles of Narnia Today?

The Chronicles of Narnia's media has undergone some big adaptations on film and television over the decades. From a very theatrical black-and-white TV film from 1967, and an animated film in 1979, to the romantic and glowing magic of the BBC's three TV series spanning from 1988 to 1990, Narnia was inspiring on film to get children and adults alike to revisit the books.

Then in...

The Magicians offers a dark twist on the beloved fantasy series, C.S. Lewis' The Chronicles of Narnia. The Lost Story, released in 2024, also tells a mature fantasy tale, blending similarities with Narnia alongside adult characters. The Lost Story is a potential replacement for The Magicians, offering a similar dark and adult take on a beloved fantasy world.

Years ago, The Magicians offered a dark twist on a beloved fantasy book series, and now, I think this new 2024 novel is doing the same exact thing. Many know The Magicians as a five-season fantasy drama that aired on Syfy, but I know it as a set of three fantasy books written by Lev Grossman. Whether on-screen or on the page, The Magicians follows Quentin Coldwater, a student who is given the chance to study at a magic academy where he learns that his favorite book series, and the magic world inside it,...