5 things you need to know about the new version of ‘The Chronicles of Narnia’

In addition to the three feature films of “The Chronicles of Narnia” released in cinemas by Waden Media and Disney between 2005 and 2010 (“The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe”, “Prince Caspian” and “The Pilgrim’s Voyage of Alvorada), since 2018 a new version of the story is expected, which follows the adventures and battles of 2500 years of an inhabited fantastic world by mythological creatures and talking animals, discovered by four human children after finding a portal in a wardrobe.

This is because it was in that year that Netflix purchased the rights to the seven works written by the Irish author CS Lewis between 1949 and 1954. At the time, the company revealed that there were plans to transform the titles into films and series that would be distributed through the streaming platform and, recently, one of the promised formats ended up receiving updates, as some of the names involved were revealed for the production of a feature film set in Narnia, as well as details about the filming and of course: the long-awaited premiere date!

With this in mind, RECREIO put together a list of 5 essential pieces of information to find out about the new project; check it out!

1. Greta Gerwig will direct the new ‘Chronicles of Narnia’

Considered to direct the film since 2020, in July last year Greta Gerwig, known for critically acclaimed titles such as “Lady Bird: Time to Fly”, “Little Women” and “Barbie”, which won the golden statuette in the Best Original Song category at the Oscars for “What Was I Made For?”, revealed to the New Yorker that she was chosen to direct the adaptation.

The filmmaker has even revealed how she feels about being chosen to front the new cinematic version of the work that appeared on the pages.

I haven’t even started to grapple with the idea yet, but I’m already scared, which is a great starting point. I think being scared is always a good sign. Maybe when I stop being scared, I’ll think ‘I should do this next’. But no, I’m terrified. It’s extraordinary and exciting”, revealed Gerwig in an interview with the Total Film podcast.

Already in a chat with BBC radio 4 (via Deadline), Gerwig explained where the fear he revealed to have comes from, stating that he has a lot of reverence for the saga.

I’m a little terrified because I really have a lot of reverence for Narnia. I loved Narnia so much as a child. As an adult, CS Lewis is a thinker and writer. I’m intimidated doing this. It’s something that seems worthy of being intimidated.”

Right away, Greta cited that another reason is the difference in nationalities. This is because, while Lewis is Irish, she is an American from the United States, which makes her feel like she needs to be “extra careful” with the work.

As a non-British person, I have a particular feeling of wanting to get this right… it’s like when Americans do Shakespeare, there’s a slight feeling of reverence and like maybe we should treat it with extra care. He is not our compatriot”, added the director.

2. Louis Partridge will be in the cast of the adaptation

Did you know that Louis Partridgethe actor who gave life to the character Lord Tewksbury in the “Enola Holmes” franchise, was confirmed in the adaptation? The role was not revealed, but it became the first — and until then, the only — name released in the cast of the new film.

3. The possible title adapted by Netflix

Netflix has not yet revealed which of the seven books will be the first to be adapted, but the producer Amy Pascal said in an interview with Deadline that the vision of Gerwig for the story will be a “totally new approach”, and with a “very rock and roll” touch.

Furthermore, Jason Isaacsan actor who has already auditioned for Aslan, was listing the books he liked most to The Week when he hinted that Greta would adapt “The Magician’s Nephew”, a title released in 1955 that serves as a prequel to the story by revealing how Narnia was created.

“I’ve loved everything about Narnia since I was very young. I understood something devastating about mortality from Pedro. But I choose this one (The Magician’s Nephew) because Greta Gerwig is about to make a movie about it, and I can’t wait to see it ” Isaacs said.

Still, it’s possible that when the actor said “a movie about that”, he was referring to the entire franchise, and not the specific title that he cited as one of his favorites.

4. The beginning of recording

Also to Deadline, Pascal revealed when recordings should begin. According to her, the film will start shooting in July 2025.

5. The release date of the new “The Chronicles of Narnia”

Netflix’s “The Chronicles of Narnia” will have two releases. The first will take place in IMAX in theaters on November 26, 2026, a date that corresponds to Thanksgiving in the United States, so that the film has a chance to compete for awards, as revealed by the co-CEO of Netflix, Ted Sarandosduring a company call to discuss fourth-quarter earnings (via Deadline).

“We often release films in theaters a few weeks early to qualify for awards, meet festival requirements and boost publicity. In the case of Narnia, it is a special two-week event,” he explained.

Thus, the final release takes place at Christmas of the same year, as the film will reach the streaming platform’s catalog on December 25th for subscribers.