Summary

• Greta Gerwig's successful track record and experience in her previous films instill confidence in her ability to adapt The Chronicles of Narnia for Netflix.
• Her film Lady Bird, a coming-of-age story, parallels the journey of the Pevensie children in Narnia, making her well-suited for the task of adapting the series.
• Gerwig's experience with period pieces, particularly in Little Women, prepares her to handle the wartime setting of The Chronicles of Narnia and its impact on the characters.

Netflix is set to reboot The Chronicles of Narnia, and the project appears to be in capable hands with Greta Gerwig leading the way. Based on C. S Lewis' 1950s book series, the first live adaptation of The Chronicles of Narnia was released in 2005. Following that, two more installments were released in 2008 and 2010, but no further films materialized due to a poor reception, despite there being seven books in the series. In 2018, Netflix purchased the rights to the books, and in July 2023 Gerwig was announced as the writer and director for at least two of the films.

Gertwig started her career working with Joe Swanberg, primarily as a writer. Her breakthrough came in 2017 with her solo directorial debut of Lady Bird, for which she received nominations for Best Original Screenplay and Best Director. Then her 2019 film Little Women earned her a Best Adapted Screenplay nomination. Following that, her third film, Barbie, set box office records. Gerwig's track record of success in her individual projects instills confidence in her development of Netflix's The Chronicles of Narnia.

Greta Gerwig's 3 Movies Perfectly Prepare Her For Chronicles Of Narnia

The three films that Gerwig has both written and directed showcase elements that have prepared her for the task of adapting The Chronicles of Narnia. Her debut solo project, Lady Bird, is a coming-of-age story, as Christine works to find her place in the world and her personal identity. This experience parallels the journey of Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy Pevensie, who escape the hardships of wartime England to enter the fantastical world of Narnia, as they transition from childhood to adulthood, becoming the Kings and Queens of Narnia.

Furthermore, Gerwig's work on Little Women demonstrates her ability to handle a period piece, particularly one featuring characters living through a major war. Little Women is set in Massachusetts in the 1860s during the Civil War and follows the March family, who face hardships imposed on them by the war. Similarly, The Chronicles of Narnia unfolds against the backdrop of 1940s England during World War II and the post-war era. Gerwig's experience in crafting a wartime period piece, specifically its impact on those on the home front, equips her well for Netflix's interpretation of The Chronicles of Narnia.

Lastly, her work on Barbie underscores her skill at blending the real world and fantasy. Barbie lives in the fantastical world of Barbieland until embarking on a journey to the real world, mirroring the Pevensie children's transition from wartime England to the enchanting land of Narnia. Gerwig's masterful ability to shape the dynamic between the real world and a fantasy land gives her the experience to develop this aspect in The Chronicles of Narnia Netflix reboot.

At the time of writing, all three The Chronicles of Narnia movies are available to watch on Disney+.

Barbie's Success Is Particularly Great For Chronicles Of Narnia

Gerwig's box office success with Barbie, making over $1.38 billion worldwide and earning the distinction of becoming Warner Bros.'s highest-grossing film in its 100-year history, as well as being the most successful film ever directed by a female director, makes her involvement in developing The Chronicles of Narnia even more exciting. Given the fantasy nature of the story, a substantial budget is expected. Gerwig has shown she is able to execute on a large scale, as the Barbie movie had a budget of $145 million. Across her three films, Gerwig has effectively showcased her ability to handle all the essential elements required to breathe life into The Chronicles of Narnia's fantastical tale.