Overview
Netflix is set to bring The Magician’s Nephew to the screen in what is expected to be the first installment of its Narnia cinematic universe. This marks the first time this story—considered a prequel to The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe—will receive a major film adaptation. The project is being helmed by Greta Gerwig, the Academy Award-nominated director behind Barbie and Little Women.
Filming is scheduled to begin in July 2025 at Shepperton Studios in the UK, with an exclusive IMAX theatrical release planned for Thanksgiving 2026. The film will be available for streaming on Netflix starting Christmas Day 2026.
Story & Significance (Spoilers)
First published in 1955, The Magician’s Nephew explores the origins of Narnia, Aslan, the White Witch, and the mystical wardrobe that later plays a central role in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. The story follows young Digory Kirke and Polly Plummer, who stumble upon a mysterious set of magic rings created by Digory’s uncle. These rings transport them to the Wood Between the Worlds, a realm of infinite possibilities where they inadvertently awaken Jadis, the future White Witch, from the dying world of Charn.
The book culminates in the creation of Narnia itself, as the children witness Aslan singing the world into existence. Along the way, Digory’s personal journey becomes deeply intertwined with the fate of Narnia, as he is tasked with bringing a magical apple from a distant garden—an act that foreshadows the greater battles between good and evil in the series.
Production & Release Details
- Director: Greta Gerwig (Barbie, Lady Bird, Little Women)
- Screenplay: Greta Gerwig
- Producer: Amy Pascal (Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, Little Women)
- Filming Start Date: July 2025
- Filming Location: Shepperton Studios, UK
- Theatrical Release: IMAX-exclusive on Thanksgiving 2026 (four-week release window before heading to Netflix)
- Streaming Release: Christmas 2026 on Netflix
Creative Team & Visual Approach
Netflix has assembled a team with a strong history of world-building and fantasy storytelling to bring The Magician’s Nephew to life.
Key Crew Members:
- Production Designer: James Chinlund (The Batman, The Lion King) – Responsible for designing Charn, the Wood Between the Worlds, and the newly created Narnia.
- Concept Artist: Dermot Power (Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Harry Potter, Fantastic Beasts) – Focused on the film’s otherworldly landscapes and character designs.
- VFX Supervisor: Kris Wright (CEO of Nvizible, Muppets Most Wanted) – Overseeing Narnia’s creation sequence and digital environments.
Speculation & Key Questions
Netflix has remained tight-lipped about casting decisions, but the search for child actors aged 10-11 strongly suggests Digory and Polly are the leads. With a director like Gerwig, known for deep character work, fans are curious how the emotional themes of loss, temptation, and redemption will be handled in a visually spectacular setting.
Another major question is tone and faithfulness. Producer Amy Pascal has made cryptic comments about the adaptation being “all about rock and roll,” raising speculation about possible stylistic changes. However, with Gerwig’s track record of respecting source material while bringing fresh energy, there’s cautious optimism that this Magician’s Nephew will stay true to the spirit of C.S. Lewis’s vision.
Narnia’s Future on Netflix
Netflix’s decision to start with The Magician’s Nephew instead of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe signals an ambitious long-term plan. The streaming giant now holds exclusive rights to all seven Narnia books, allowing for a more chronological and interconnected storytelling approach. If this adaptation is successful, we may see a full slate of films and TV series exploring different parts of the Narnian timeline.
Final Thoughts
With The Magician’s Nephew now in active development, Netflix is setting the stage for an epic, visually stunning return to Narnia. This marks the first major film adaptation of the book, offering a fresh perspective on the origins of the world of Aslan. As the cast is announced and production moves forward, excitement continues to grow for what could be the most faithful and ambitious Narnia adaptation yet.
Stay tuned for updates as we learn more about Netflix’s vision for Narnia’s future!