An update for Greta Gerwig's Greta Gerwig's Narnia movie is currently deep into the casting stage, with its star-studded ensemble already reportedly including Daniel Craig, Emma Mackey as Jadis the White Witch, and Meryl Streep as the voice of the talking lion Aslan.

Now, according to The Hollywood Reporter, Carey Mulligan has been cast in Gerwig's Narnia movie as Digory's mother. This confirms that the movie is adapting the sixth novel in the Narnia series, The Magician's Nephew. Mulligan is currently in negotiations for the role, so it doesn't appear to be a done deal quite yet.

What This Means For Greta Gerwig's Narnia Movie

Everything That Was Revealed

Published in 1955, The Magician's Nephew serves as a prequel to the Narnia series, revealing the origins of the magical world, including how Aslan brought it into existence and how evil first entered into it. Taking place in the year 1900, the story follows a 12-year-old Digory Kirke and his friend Polly Plummer as they explore various worlds using magical rings crafted by Digory's uncle. In the crumbling world of Charn, they accidentally awaken Queen Jadis, who later becomes the White Witch, and one of the worlds they reach is the newly forming Narnia.

Mulligan will play the role of Digory's sick mother, Mabel. With Gerwig's Narnia movie adapting The Magician's Nephew, it has also been revealed that Daniel Craig is reportedly playing Digory's uncle, Andrew. With several major stars attached, the movie will now shift its focus to searching for its younger lead actors to play Digory Kirke and Polly Plummer.

Our Take On Greta Gerwig's Narnia Movie Update

Why They're Smart Moves

Adapting The Magician's Nephew is a smart move that will set Greta Gerwig's Narnia apart. The previous movies have already adapted the first three books in the series – The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Prince Caspian, and The Voyage of the Dawn Treader. By adapting The Magician's Nephew, which hasn't been brought to the screen before, Gerwig's film won't risk feeling like a rehash and will offer audiences something new.

Gerwig's Narnia movie will have a two-week IMAX release in late 2026.

Casting Carey Mulligan is also a smart move for Gerwig's Narnia movie. It's difficult to go wrong with a three-time Oscar nominee, having been recognized for Maestro, Promising Young Woman, and An Education. Mulligan's casting continues to hint at Gerwig's intention to ground the fantasy in heartfelt drama. The Oscar nominee's nuanced performance could elevate Mabel's tragic arc, making the Narnia prequel story all the more resonant and compelling for audiences.

Source: THR

The Chronicles of Narnia

Created by

C.S. Lewis

First Film

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

Latest Film

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader

First TV Show

The Chronicles of Narnia

First Episode Air Date

November 13, 1988

Cast

Georgie Henley, William Moseley, Skandar Keynes, Anna Popplewell, Ben Barnes, Liam Neeson, Tilda Swinton, James McAvoy, Will Poulter, Simon Pegg

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