The world of Narnia is about to see a bold new reimagining. Greta Gerwig, the celebrated filmmaker behind Lady Bird and Barbie, is set to direct a Netflix adaptation of The Magician’s Nephew, the sixth-published but chronologically first story in The Chronicles of Narnia. This announcement has stirred excitement and speculation, especially following comments from producer Amy Pascal about Gerwig’s innovative approach.
In a recent interview with Pete Hammond, Amy Pascal described Gerwig’s vision as “a very new take on Narnia” and intriguingly added, “It’s all about rock and roll.” Fans of the beloved series might wonder: what does “rock and roll” mean in the context of a story about the creation of Narnia?
Pete Hammond: And how’s Narnia? Has she been shooting that already?
Amy Pascal: No, we start shooting in July.
Pete Hammond: I didn’t think so. Yeah, because I talked to her. She got some big award or something, and she was talking about it. But that’s a new take on Narnia, or—
Amy Pascal: A very new take on it.
Pete Hammond: A very new take?
Amy Pascal: It’s all about rock and roll.
A Fresh Start with The Magician’s Nephew
For those unfamiliar, The Magician’s Nephew tells the story of the genesis of Narnia, exploring its creation by Aslan and the origins of the White Witch. It also introduces the magical apple tree that later plays a pivotal role in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. Starting with this prequel is a fascinating choice, providing a foundation for the Narnia saga while focusing on themes of creation, temptation, and redemption.
By choosing The Magician’s Nephew as the starting point, Gerwig appears to be embracing the chance to reintroduce Narnia in a way that sets it apart from previous adaptations. The story’s rich visual and emotional tapestry offers an ideal canvas for her unique storytelling style.
What Does “Rock and Roll” Mean for Narnia?
Amy Pascal’s description of the adaptation as “all about rock and roll” invites curiosity. While it’s unlikely to involve literal electric guitars and drum solos, “rock and roll” often symbolizes rebellion, dynamism, and breaking free from tradition. In this context, it might signal a modernized energy in the storytelling—perhaps through bold character interpretations, striking visual styles, or innovative pacing.
Gerwig has a history of breathing fresh life into classic tales. Her Little Women adaptation emphasized economic struggles and female agency, reframing the story for contemporary audiences while respecting its core. Similarly, this “rock and roll” Narnia could retain the deep moral and spiritual themes of Lewis’s work while making them resonate with a new generation.
Production Set to Begin
Filming for The Magician’s Nephew is slated to begin in July, marking the next major step in this ambitious project. Fans of Narnia will no doubt be eager to see how Gerwig brings this foundational story to life, especially under the intriguing “rock and roll” banner.
As the production unfolds, all eyes will be on Greta Gerwig to see how she balances the timeless magic of Narnia with her creative sensibilities. Will this adaptation capture the hearts of longtime fans? Will it alienate fans of the Chronicles of Narnia? Remember, while I might have loved both Prince Caspian and The Voyage of the Dawn Treader adaptations from Walden Media, the fact that they strayed away from the source material meant that a lot of folks also stayed away from the movie theaters who would have otherwise packed the cinemas. Would they have been better movies had they stuck to the story as written? We’ll never really know. (Unless there’s a multiverse, and they did in another timeline, and we find a portal to get there, perhaps they adapted all 7 books…)
That said… what are your thoughts?
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