Will Netflix’s Narnia Adaptation be a series of Musicals?

We’ve now seen a lot of film and TV adaptations of several books in The Chronicles of Narnia, but there’s one format that hasn’t been done yet: musical. The only place you’ll see a Narnia musical is on theater stages. But what makes us think this could be the case? There are several reasons:

1. Amy Pascal said Narnia was “rock and roll.”
   In a recent interview, Narnia film producer Amy Pascal said that the Narnia adaptation they are filming this July is all about rock and roll. This could be referring to the storytelling of this adaptation, or it could be a stronger hint that there could be songs throughout this film.
2. Greta Gerwig’s Barbie movie had musical elements.
   While not a full-fledged musical, it incorporated musical elements. There were several times that characters broke out into song and dance, but the main story was not driven by the music. Narnia could be similar, or it could go further. And the reason for that? Point number 3.
3. It sets this series of adaptations apart as something new.
   We are in an era where most effects-filled movies are going to be of a similar quality of special effects. The Walden Media films still look like they could have been made yesterday. Given that, how do you possibly make a new version of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe that stands apart from the Walden Media version? Apart from a new director, a new cast, and new character designs and a new script, the main story beats are largely going to be the same. To breathe some fresh air into it, and make it different enough that people are interested in seeing a new version of the story they first saw 20 years ago, you have to do something new with it. That doesn’t necessarily mean changing the story to “modernize” it. That would be a poor decision that would alter Narnia, which is already set where and when it should be. But making it a musical, perhaps with songs by Lin-Manuel Miranda or Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, that would be something new.
4. Narnia’s Mythical and Poetic Roots Lend Themselves to Song
   C.S. Lewis’s writing often incorporates poetic and lyrical elements, such as Aslan’s song of creation in The Magician’s Nephew. Music already has a thematic place in Narnia’s mythology, making it a natural fit for a musical format. Adapting this into the storytelling could deepen the connection between the narrative and its emotional impact.
5. The Musical Format Enhances Emotional Storytelling
   Songs often allow for deeper exploration of characters’ emotions and inner struggles. For instance:
   • Edmund’s guilt and redemption arc could be expressed through poignant solos.
   • Lucy’s sense of wonder at discovering Narnia could translate into an awe-inspiring ballad.
   • Aslan’s sacrifice and resurrection could be elevated with powerful choral arrangements, making these iconic moments even more moving.
6. Broadening the Appeal Across Generations
   Musicals often have broad, intergenerational appeal. Incorporating music could help the film capture the hearts of both younger audiences and adults, ensuring it becomes a family experience that resonates across age groups, much like Disney’s animated musicals.
7. Potential for Memorable Songs to Define the Series
   A musical adaptation could create iconic, standalone songs that become synonymous with the Narnia series, just as songs like “Let It Go” became emblematic of Frozen. Memorable music could keep the franchise culturally relevant and extend its life beyond the films themselves.
8. A New Creative Avenue for C.S. Lewis’s Themes
   Lewis infused Narnia with themes of faith, hope, and redemption, which could be uniquely expressed through music. A well-crafted score might convey these themes in a way that resonates even more deeply with modern audiences, making them feel fresh while staying faithful to Lewis’s vision.