Emma Mackey, the BAFTA-winning star of Netflix’s Sex Education, is stepping into a legendary role. Mackey has been cast as the White Witch in Netflix’s much-anticipated live-action adaptation of The Chronicles of Narnia, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Greta Gerwig. The news, first reported by The Hollywood Reporter and confirmed by Deadline, marks a major casting move in Netflix’s ambitious plans to reimagine C.S. Lewis’s iconic fantasy world.
Netflix has so far declined to make an official comment on Mackey’s casting, keeping other production details tightly under wraps. However, the news has already sparked major excitement among fans of both Narnia and Gerwig’s visionary work.
A Powerful Ensemble: Daniel Craig and Meryl Streep Also Join the Cast
The upcoming film is already boasting a star-studded lineup. Alongside Mackey’s White Witch, Daniel Craig — globally known for his portrayal of James Bond — will play Uncle Andrew Ketterley, an eccentric magician whose experiments with magic rings open the door to other worlds, including Narnia itself.
Even more striking is the casting of Meryl Streep, one of the most celebrated actresses of all time, who will voice the role of Aslan the Great, the noble and divine lion who serves as the spiritual guardian of Narnia. Streep’s involvement suggests a powerful and emotional portrayal of Aslan, a character deeply beloved by generations of readers.
The casting of such acclaimed performers points to Netflix’s serious commitment to delivering a prestige-level fantasy saga that could stand alongside adaptations like The Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter.
The Storyline: The Magician’s Nephew Will Be the First Film
Rather than beginning with The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, as previous adaptations have done, Netflix’s Narnia universe will kick off with The Magician’s Nephew. Originally published in 1955, The Magician’s Nephew serves as a prequel to the more familiar tales and tells the origin story of both Narnia and its principal villain, the White Witch.
The story follows Digory Kirke, a curious and brave boy, and his friend Polly Plummer as they discover magical rings that transport them to different worlds. Their adventures lead them to the dead world of Charn, where they accidentally awaken the White Witch, who later becomes Narnia’s greatest threat. The novel also explores the creation of Narnia itself, with Aslan singing the world into existence.
Given Gerwig’s reputation for crafting emotionally layered narratives, fans can expect The Magician’s Nephew to delve deeply into themes of temptation, courage, and redemption — critical elements of Lewis’s original work.
According to Variety and Collider, production is expected to begin in 2025, with an exclusive two-week global IMAX theatrical run targeted for Thanksgiving 2026. Afterward, the movie will stream exclusively on Netflix.
Greta Gerwig’s Vision for Narnia
Netflix first announced its collaboration with the C.S. Lewis Company in 2018, securing rights to develop new Narnia films and series. The project gained new momentum in 2020 when Greta Gerwig — known for her Oscar-nominated films Lady Bird and Little Women — was officially hired to write and direct the first movie.
Gerwig’s career reached new heights in 2023 with Barbie, a film that not only became a global box office juggernaut, grossing over $1.4 billion, but also earned widespread praise for its blend of humor, depth, and social commentary. Her work has proven her ability to balance large-scale, imaginative settings with profound emotional storytelling — a combination that suits the world of Narnia perfectly.
In a 2024 interview with The New Yorker, Gerwig shared that she sees her adaptation of The Magician’s Nephew as “an epic, sacred adventure about innocence, betrayal, and forgiveness.” She emphasized her desire to honor C.S. Lewis’s original Christian allegories while making the story accessible to modern audiences, regardless of religious background.
Gerwig’s commitment to authenticity, depth, and wonder has raised expectations for what could become one of Netflix’s biggest franchise launches to date.
Emma Mackey’s Career Continues to Soar
Since her breakout role as the whip-smart Maeve Wiley in Netflix’s Sex Education, Emma Mackey has rapidly established herself as one of the most talented young actresses of her generation.
She received the BAFTA Rising Star Award in 2023, solidifying her status as a major up-and-coming talent. Following Sex Education, Mackey portrayed the literary icon Emily Brontë in Emily (2022), a role that garnered critical acclaim for its emotional nuance and complexity.
She also appeared in Kenneth Branagh’s adaptation of Death on the Nile (2022), acting alongside an ensemble cast that included Gal Gadot and Armie Hammer.
Looking ahead, Mackey will headline James L. Brooks’ much-anticipated movie Ella McCay, play a key role in J.J. Abrams’ next major film project, and star in Julia Ducournau’s upcoming psychological thriller Alpha.
Taking on the role of the White Witch — arguably one of the most iconic villains in children’s literature — will give Mackey the opportunity to showcase her versatility, charisma, and emotional range on a global stage.
Building a Larger Narnia Universe
Netflix’s plans extend far beyond a single film. Executives have hinted that they are hoping to build a major Narnia franchise that includes multiple interconnected movies and possibly even TV series, similar to how Disney has expanded the Star Wars and Marvel universes.
Netflix’s co-CEO Ted Sarandos has described Narnia as “a foundational fantasy universe with a profound spiritual core,” according to The Verge. He emphasized that Lewis’s work provides rich material for stories that can entertain both children and adults across many generations.
The streamer is reportedly investing heavily in production values, visual effects, and world-building to ensure the films meet the high standards expected by fantasy fans today.
According to Deadline, the company is working closely with the C.S. Lewis Company, ensuring that adaptations stay true to the spirit and moral complexity of the original novels while updating storytelling techniques for contemporary viewers.
A New Era for The Chronicles of Narnia
Netflix’s Chronicles of Narnia project, led by Greta Gerwig and featuring stars like Emma Mackey, Daniel Craig, and Meryl Streep, promises to breathe fresh life into C.S. Lewis’s timeless stories.
With its deep respect for the source material, powerhouse casting, and the artistic vision of one of today’s most celebrated filmmakers, The Magician’s Nephew could become the definitive adaptation of Narnia for a new generation.
As the project moves into production in 2025, audiences around the world will be watching closely — and with high hopes — for a magical return to the world beyond the wardrobe.
