Greta Gerwig: 'Narnia' Inspired by David Bowie, Meryl Streep Is Aslan

Netflix is rolling out a new adaptation of C.S. Lewis’s Narnia series titled ‘The Magician’s Nephew,’ with Greta Gerwig directing. Costume designer work on Emma Mackey’s attire has also been revealed, prompting immediate fan discussion. Coverage of the launch is concentrated across entertainment sites.

MovieWeb reported Craig’s debut image, while Yahoo published multiple pieces on the costume reveal, the potential sequel complications, and Gerwig’s comments on Bowie’s influence and Streep’s casting. Radio Times highlighted the first visual of Aslan, and What’s on Netflix shared the official logo and behind‑the‑scenes footage. Empireonline.com provided exclusive commentary on the villain Jadis, describing her as ‘all chaos and bad plans.’ The project arrives amid a legacy of earlier Narnia films that struggled to capture the books’ tone. Gerwig, known for her distinctive storytelling, cites David Bowie as a key inspiration for the film’s radical aesthetic, a detail she explained in a Yahoo interview.

Casting Craig, a veteran action star, as a scheming magician and Streep, an Oscar‑winning actress, as the iconic lion signals a high‑profile approach intended to differentiate this version from past attempts. Future attention will focus on fan reactions to Mackey’s costume and the “massive problem for sequels” flagged by Yahoo, suggesting that narrative choices could affect downstream installments. Additional behind‑the‑scenes material and further character reveals are expected from Netflix, as the studio continues to promote the adaptation. Observers will monitor how Gerwig’s Bowie‑infused vision translates into the final product and whether the star‑studded cast secures a new commercial foothold for the franchise.