The Chronicles of Narnia is not only one of the most acclaimed, well-known, and successful science fiction franchises in the industry, but it has also managed to leave a lasting mark on an entire generation. Always in competition with Harry Potter, the saga succeeded in standing the test of time and even produced three blockbuster films.
Now, Netflix and Greta Gerwig have joined forces to give a fresh start to the story written by C. S. Lewis in 1990. The director of Barbie has rapidly climbed the ranks and achieved a high status, building a career from independent cinema to now collaborating with one of the biggest streaming giants.
Being a favorite of many studios, the filmmaker has opted for a reboot as her next project. The plan is to create three new adaptations with a revamped cast and a substantial budget. While some believe it’s a risky move given the success of the originals, others see it as a great idea.
What is the new version of The Chronicles of Narnia about?
The successful, Oscar-winning franchise will begin anew, portraying the original story but with many additional details described in the books that did not make it into the material released by Disney. The first installment will follow four children who travel through a wardrobe to the land of Narnia, where they discover their destiny with the guidance of a mystical lion.
William Moseley, Anna Popplewell and Georgie Henley in The Chronicles of Narnia. (Source: IMDb)
The books depict the adventures of children transported to the magical world of Narnia, where they face challenges, discover magical powers, and engage in epic battles between good and evil. Each novel introduces new characters and exciting events, all connected by the central theme of the struggle against dark forces and the pursuit of good and justice.
In the event of multiple installments under the direction of Netflix and Greta Gerwig, the story will continue to expand, covering plots that have not yet been adapted for the big screen, as Disney’s versions only reached “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader”.
When will filming begin on The Chronicles of Narnia?
The question of whether making new Narnia films will be a great choice or not will be answered in 2024, as that is when Netflix will begin production. The agreement the production company made with the CS Lewis Company is quite substantial, as the streaming giant has committed to producing at least two titles under Gerwig’s direction.
“I haven’t even started to understand it, but it scares me a lot, and that seems like a good starting point to me. I think when I feel fear, it’s always a good sign”, the filmmaker said in an interview with Inside. Matthew Aldrich has been appointed as the “creative architect” to oversee the development, while Mark Gordon, Douglas Gresham and Vincent Sieber will serve as producers.
