Gerwig's Narnia: Mackey's Jadis and Streep's Aslan Defined

Key points

• Emma Mackey portrays Jadis, a character described in the script as 'all chaos and bad plans' who is trapped in the realm of Charn.
• Meryl Streep plays Aslan, a role Gerwig cast based on the actor's ability to convey wisdom, gravitas, and fresh wonder.
• The film is set to release in cinemas on February 12, 2027, followed by a Netflix premiere on April 2, 2027.
• The production features a glam-rock aesthetic, with Jadis's costume designed to appear both shiny and war-ready to the young protagonists.

Background

This adaptation follows the chronological first Narnia tale, preceding the events of The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe. It joins a wave of high-profile fantasy and villain-focused projects, including recent discussions about Saoirse Ronan’s interest in playing a Bond villain, highlighting a broader industry trend toward reimagining classic narratives with modern sensibilities.

How outlets are covering it

Empire highlights the visual and narrative duality of Mackey’s performance, noting the contrast between the character's shiny appearance and her underlying threat. The Cut focuses on the casting rationale for Meryl Streep, emphasizing Gerwig’s specific desire for an actor over 70 who could balance pathos with delight. While the Yahoo source provided a title regarding Daniel Craig’s first look, the content was inaccessible due to technical errors, leaving the specific details of his portrayal unverified in this briefing.

Why it matters

The film represents a significant crossover of prestige cinema and streaming, bridging the gap between theatrical spectacle and Netflix accessibility. Gerwig’s distinct stylistic choices, such as the glam-rock influence, signal a potential shift in how classic children's literature is adapted for contemporary audiences.

What to watch

The film is scheduled to hit cinemas on February 12, 2027. It will subsequently stream on Netflix starting April 2, 2027. Empire magazine’s full cover story on the production is set to be available in its November 2026 issue.