Led Zeppelin Grants First Major Film Sync for Gerwig's Narnia

Key points

• Led Zeppelin has licensed 'Stairway to Heaven' for 'Narnia: The Magician's Nephew,' a rare move for the band which has historically resisted film syncs.
• Greta Gerwig convinced Robert Plant and Jimmy Page by sharing an early cut of the film, citing the song's narrative fit with the story's spiritual quest.
• The film, based on C.S. Lewis's 1955 book, is the first in the series to be adapted by Gerwig, who argued it should precede 'The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.'
• Netflix is treating the film as its first wide theatrical release, opening in cinemas on February 12, 2027, before streaming on April 2, 2027.
• The cast includes Daniel Craig as the magician Andrew Ketterley, Meryl Streep voicing Aslan, and Emma Mackey as the White Witch.

Background

Previous coverage noted that the trailer's release sparked polarized fan reactions regarding Gerwig's visual style and the heavy use of CGI. Earlier reports confirmed the IMAX premiere in New York and the specific casting choices, including the young leads David McKenna and Beatrice Campbell. The band's reluctance to license their music is a long-standing industry fact, making this approval a significant exception.

How outlets are covering it

Consequence emphasizes the rarity of the licensing deal, highlighting it as a major concession by the band. Variety and The Hollywood Reporter focus on Gerwig's personal connection to the source material and her direct negotiation with the band members. While all sources agree on the facts, Variety notes fan criticism regarding Gerwig's gender-swapping of characters and timeline changes, a point not emphasized in the other outlets. The Hollywood Reporter highlights the emotional impact of the trailer premiere, noting Gerwig's visible emotion during the event.

Why it matters

This licensing deal signals a shift in Led Zeppelin's strict control over their catalog, potentially opening the door for future high-profile syncs. It also underscores Netflix's commitment to theatrical releases for its original films, challenging the traditional streaming-only model. The success of this adaptation could influence how other classic literary properties are adapted in the future.

What to watch

The film is scheduled for a wide theatrical release on February 12, 2027, followed by its streaming debut on Netflix on April 2, 2027. Further marketing campaigns and potential additional music syncs may be announced as the release date approaches.