According to a report by THR, the talented actress Emma Mackey, known for her role in Sex Education, has been cast as the formidable White Witch in the highly anticipated Chronicles of Narnia film directed by Greta Gerwig for Netflix. Earlier speculations suggested that Grammy-winning singer Charli XCX was a contender for this iconic role, but ultimately, the final decision was a choice between Mackey and the acclaimed actress Margaret Qualley, recognized for her work in The Substance. Notably, Mackey previously collaborated with Gerwig in the blockbuster film Barbie, where she portrayed the character of Physicist Barbie, showcasing her versatility and appeal.
While an official announcement has yet to be made, insiders believe that this upcoming film will adapt The Magician’s Nephew, which is considered a pivotal entry in the Narnia series. Although it was the sixth book published among the seven-novel collection, its narrative occurs a millennium before the events depicted in The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe. Renowned author C.S. Lewis expressed a desire for readers to start their journey through the Narnia universe with The Magician’s Nephew, as it intricately explores the origins of Narnia and introduces the first humans to venture into this enchanting realm.
The casting process for this exciting project is still in its early phases, but recent reports indicate that the legendary actress Meryl Streep is in discussions to lend her voice to the character of Aslan. Given Streep’s illustrious career, this news has been met with widespread enthusiasm and no controversies. Additionally, Daniel Craig is reportedly being considered for the role of Andrew Ketterley, who is portrayed as a morally ambiguous amateur magician experimenting with interdimensional travel. In a twist of fate, he deceives his young nephew and a friend into touching a magical ring, which transports them to an entirely new world filled with wonder and danger.
In a groundbreaking move, Netflix will be giving the Chronicles of Narnia adaptation a theatrical release. The film is scheduled for an exclusive two-week run in IMAX theaters, starting on November 26, 2026, before becoming available for streaming on Netflix on Christmas Day, making it a highly anticipated holiday event for fans of the franchise.
The last attempt at a live-action adaptation of C.S. Lewis’s beloved fantasy series began with great promise, as The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe grossed an impressive $745 million globally. However, the subsequent sequel, The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian, saw a significant decline in revenue, earning only $419 million. A further sequel, The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, failed to capture the same magic and seemed to signal the end of the Narnia cinematic saga, at least until this recent revival sparked hope among fans.
What are your thoughts on Emma Mackey stepping into the role of the White Witch?
