Greta Gerwig, the talented director behind the upcoming Barbie movie, is set to embark on another enchanting journey as she takes the helm of two new Narnia films for Netflix. The streaming giant has reportedly been working on adapting the beloved Chronicles of Narnia series into a collection of movies and TV shows, and Gerwig’s involvement marks yet another exciting addition to their ambitious project.
After her remarkable directorial debut with Lady Bird, which earned her five Oscar nominations including Best Director and Best Screenplay, Gerwig ventured into the world of literary adaptations with her heartfelt rendition of Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women for Sony. Now, she is ready to embrace a different kind of magic, steering the course for Narnia with her unique vision and creative prowess.
Netflix’s long-term agreement with the C.S. Lewis Company, announced back in October 2018, laid the foundation for the streaming platform’s ambitious Narnia project. Matthew Aldrich, the co-writer of the acclaimed film Coco, was appointed as the “creative architect” responsible for overseeing the development of Narnia movies and shows. Joining forces with Gerwig, he is set to bring the world of Narnia to life on the screen with a sense of wonder and authenticity.
As for Gerwig, her involvement in Narnia signifies a natural progression towards bigger-budget filmmaking and her undeniable talent for adaptation. Having already displayed her directorial finesse in bringing beloved stories to life, she is poised to transport audiences to the magical realms of Narnia, capturing the essence of C.S. Lewis’ iconic books in a way that only she can.
It is worth noting that Gerwig’s attachment to Narnia comes on the heels of her upcoming Barbie film, which is generating immense buzz as it prepares to grace the silver screen. The film, produced by Warner Bros., is poised to make a dazzling entrance into the North American box office, with early tracking estimates projecting an impressive opening in the range of $80 million. Gerwig’s portrayal of Margot Robbie in the Barbie film has already piqued curiosity and anticipation, making her involvement in the Narnia films all the more enticing for audiences.
Netflix’s foray into Narnia is not the first adaptation of the beloved series. Previously, Disney took on the monumental task of bringing C.S. Lewis‘ enchanting world to life with adaptations of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe in 2005 and Prince Caspian in 2008. Subsequently, Fox released The Voyage of the Dawn Treader in 2010, adding another chapter to the beloved franchise. Now, with Netflix at the helm, the Narnia series is set to undergo a fresh transformation, promising fans a new interpretation of their favourite tales.
While the specific Narnia story that Netflix will tackle first remains undisclosed, fans can rest assured that Gerwig’s directorial prowess, combined with the streaming giant’s commitment to quality storytelling, will deliver a Narnia experience that is both faithful to the source material and infused with a touch of Gerwig’s distinctive vision.
As we eagerly await the premiere of the Barbie movie and the subsequent journey into Narnia, one thing is certain: Greta Gerwig’s ascent into the realm of beloved IPs is a testament to her remarkable talent as a director and her ability to breathe new life into treasured stories. With her in charge, Narnia promises to reel in audiences once again, transporting them to a world where imagination knows no bounds.
