Meryl Streep voices a David Bowie-inspired Aslan in Greta Gerwig's Narnia! Get release dates, cast updates, and first-look details inside.
Oscar-nominated filmmaker Greta Gerwig has revealed the first official look at her highly anticipated fantasy epic Narnia: The Magician's Nephew, confirming that three-time Academy Award winner Meryl Streep will voice the legendary lion Aslan. Produced by Netflix in partnership with IMAX, the blockbuster adaptation of C.S. Lewis's classic origin story hits global theaters on February 12, 2027, before streaming exclusively on Netflix on April 2, 2027. Following Gerwig's record-breaking success with Barbie, which surpassed $1.4 billion at the global box office, this marks the first-ever feature film adaptation of Lewis's 1955 prequel novel.
Who Voices Aslan and How Is the Character Redesigned in Greta Gerwig's Narnia?
Empire Magazine revealed an exclusive first-look cover showcasing Gerwig's bold conceptual redesign of Aslan, departing from traditional interpretations of the character.
- Meryl Streep as Aslan: Reuniting with Gerwig after their acclaimed 2019 collaboration on Little Women, Streep steps into the role of the creator lion. Gerwig emphasized that she sought a performer who brought profound wisdom, gravitas, and emotional lightness without self-seriousness.
- David Bowie Influence: The visual design of Aslan draws direct inspiration from legendary musician David Bowie, featuring heterochromic eyes of two different colors alongside striking red-striped fur accents.
- Creation of Narnia Artwork: Empire's subscriber cover features concept art by artist Jaime Jones depicting Aslan singing Narnia into existence, highlighting the story's mythological origins.
What Is the Plot and Cast Lineup for Narnia: The Magician's Nephew?
Serving as the foundational prequel to The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, the film explores the creation of C.S. Lewis's fantasy realm while framing parts of the narrative within a stylized 1950s backdrop.
- Star-Studded Ensemble: Alongside Streep, the feature stars Daniel Craig, Emma Mackey (Sex Education, Barbie), David McKenna, and Beatrice Campbell.
- Exploring Narnia's Beginnings: The storyline follows young Digory Kirke and Polly Plummer as they are transported across worlds via magic rings, accidentally unleashing the White Witch and witnessing Aslan bring the world of Narnia to life.
- Rock Opera Aesthetic: Gerwig's production approaches Lewis's world with vibrant musical energy, describing the grand creation sequences through a distinct rock opera lens.
Stream Narnia: The Magician's Nephew on Netflix starting April 2, 2027.
First look at Aslan in Greta Gerwig's ‘Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew’ 🦁 Voiced by Meryl Streep (via @empiremagazine) https://t.co/B6VxFf0mFB
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