Gerwig's 'Narnia' Trailer Secures First-Ever Led Zeppelin Sync

Key points

• Led Zeppelin has licensed 'Stairway to Heaven' for a film for the first time, according to Consequence of Sound.
• Gerwig showed an early cut of the film to Robert Plant and Jimmy Page to secure the rights.
• The trailer features Meryl Streep voicing Aslan, a choice that has sparked controversy among traditional fans.
• The film is Netflix's first project to receive a wide global theatrical release.
• Gerwig described the project as a 'rock opera' inspired by British music of the 1960s and 70s.

Background

This adaptation is based on C.S. Lewis's 1955 novel, which serves as a prequel to 'The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.' Previous film adaptations were produced by Disney and 20th Century Fox between 2005 and 2010. Gerwig, known for 'Barbie' and 'Lady Bird,' has expressed a lifelong connection to the books, stating they were formative to her childhood. The project marks a significant shift for Netflix, which is treating the film as a major theatrical event rather than a standard streaming release.

How outlets are covering it

Outlets highlight different aspects of the release. Gizmodo and Variety focus on the unprecedented nature of the Led Zeppelin sync and Gerwig's personal pitch to the band members. Variety notes the casting of Daniel Craig and the young leads, David McKenna and Beatrice Campbell. In contrast, the National Catholic Reporter emphasizes the controversy surrounding the decision to cast Meryl Streep as the voice of Aslan, noting backlash from traditionalists who view the change as a departure from the Christian basis of the mythology. Some fan reactions on social media, cited by Variety, criticize the gender-swapping and timeline changes, while others praise the bold visual style.

Why it matters

The licensing of 'Stairway to Heaven' is a significant cultural milestone, as the band has historically been extremely protective of their catalog. The film's success will test the viability of a major studio's first wide theatrical release on a streaming platform. Additionally, the polarized reaction to the casting of Aslan highlights ongoing debates regarding the adaptation of religiously significant literature in contemporary cinema.

What to watch

The film is scheduled to open in theaters on February 12, 2027. It will subsequently stream on Netflix on April 2, 2027. Audiences will be able to judge whether the 'rock opera' aesthetic and the controversial casting choices resonate with the general public and critics alike.