Gerwig's Narnia Trailer Breaks Led Zeppelin's 50-Year Sync Streak

Key points

• Gerwig convinced Jimmy Page and Robert Plant to license the song by showing them an early cut of the film and arguing its themes align with the song's spiritual journey.
• The trailer features child actors David McKenna and Beatrice Campbell as Digory and Polly, alongside Daniel Craig as Uncle Andrew and Meryl Streep voicing Aslan.
• The film is set in 1950s London, shifting the original 1900 setting, and marks Netflix's first wide theatrical release.
• Led Zeppelin has historically resisted licensing 'Stairway to Heaven,' denying requests from projects like 'Wayne's World,' 'The Simpsons,' and 'Almost Famous.'
• The movie opens in theaters on February 12, 2027, and will stream on Netflix on April 2, 2027.

Background

Led Zeppelin has been notoriously protective of their catalog, particularly 'Stairway to Heaven,' which they have refused to license for decades. Previous denials included iconic moments in 'Wayne's World,' where the song was replaced with generic chords, and 'The Simpsons,' which substituted Iron Butterfly's 'In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida.' Cameron Crowe also faced rejection for 'Almost Famous,' though he was granted a free license for 'Bron-Yr-Aur' instead. This recent approval marks a significant shift in the band's long-standing resistance to Hollywood syncs.

How outlets are covering it

Rolling Stone emphasizes the historical context of the band's refusals, detailing specific denials to major films and TV shows, while highlighting Gerwig's direct appeal to the band members. Variety focuses on the production details, noting Gerwig's personal connection to the books and her pitch to Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos, as well as the casting process for the child leads. Ars Technica highlights the film's psychedelic aesthetic and its connection to 1960s David Bowie, while also noting the shift in the story's timeline to the 1950s. All sources agree on the significance of the licensing deal and the film's release schedule, but differ in their emphasis on the creative versus commercial aspects of the approval.

Why it matters

This licensing deal represents a rare exception to Led Zeppelin's strict control over their music, signaling a potential shift in how classic rock catalogs are used in modern media. It also underscores the growing influence of streaming platforms like Netflix in securing major theatrical releases for high-profile adaptations, blending traditional cinema with digital distribution.

What to watch

The film is scheduled to open in theaters on February 12, 2027, followed by its streaming debut on Netflix on April 2, 2027. Gerwig has a two-picture deal with Netflix for the Narnia series, suggesting potential future adaptations of other books in the series, possibly starting with 'The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.'