Fans of The Chronicles of Narnia have a new reason to get excited! Actor Emma Mackey, best known for her role as Physicist Barbie in Greta Gerwig’s Barbie, has officially been cast as the White Witch in Gerwig’s much-anticipated adaptation of The Magician’s Nephew for Netflix. Set to premiere on Christmas 2026, the film promises a fresh and magical take on the beloved world created by author C.S. Lewis.
According to E! News, Greta Gerwig is directing the new adaptation, with a star-studded ensemble that includes Daniel Craig and Meryl Streep. Daniel Craig will portray the enigmatic uncle of Digory Kirke, a key character responsible for some of the magical chaos that unfolds in The Magician's Nephew. Meanwhile, Academy Award-winner Meryl Streep will lend her iconic voice to Aslan the Great, the majestic lion and spiritual center of Narnia.
Emma Mackey's casting marks her second collaboration with Greta Gerwig, following their successful partnership on Barbie in 2023. In Barbie, Mackey played one of the standout roles as Physicist Barbie, a character praised for her wit and intelligence. With her strong screen presence and versatile acting skills, fans are eager to see how Mackey will interpret the role of the White Witch, one of the most iconic villains in literary history.
Greta Gerwig’s Bold New Vision for Narnia
Gerwig, who earned widespread acclaim for her fresh takes on classics like Little Women and Barbie, is bringing her thoughtful and imaginative style to the world of Narnia. In a recent interview, she spoke candidly about the pressure she feels in adapting such a beloved story.
"I'm slightly in the place of terror because I really do have such reverence for Narnia," she shared, according to E! News. "I loved Narnia so much as a child. I want to make it feel like magic."
Gerwig’s approach is expected to blend emotional depth, visual splendor, and a strong sense of wonder — all elements that made her previous projects so beloved. Her goal, it seems, is not just to retell the story, but to transport audiences into a Narnia that feels both timeless and new.
Adapting The Magician's Nephew
Unlike previous Narnia films, which began with The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Gerwig’s adaptation will start with The Magician's Nephew, the sixth book published in the series but the first chronologically. The Magician's Nephew serves as an origin story, revealing how the magical land of Narnia was created and how evil first entered it.
The story follows Digory Kirke and his friend Polly Plummer as they stumble upon different worlds through magical rings created by Digory’s uncle. One of these worlds is Charn, where they accidentally awaken the White Witch, setting into motion the events that eventually lead to the creation of Narnia. This foundational story is rich in themes of temptation, redemption, and the struggle between good and evil — all perfect material for Gerwig’s nuanced storytelling style.
A Stellar Cast Bringing Narnia to Life
In addition to Emma Mackey, Daniel Craig, and Meryl Streep, the film boasts an ensemble cast that is expected to bring depth and gravitas to the story. Craig’s role as Digory's eccentric and morally questionable uncle will be key to the story’s darker moments, while Streep’s portrayal of Aslan is likely to add emotional resonance to the film’s hopeful themes.
Emma Mackey’s transformation into the White Witch is particularly exciting. Known for her ability to balance vulnerability and strength, Mackey could bring new complexity to the character traditionally portrayed as a cold and ruthless villain. Her performance will likely explore the White Witch’s allure and danger, making her a more multidimensional antagonist for modern audiences.
A New Chapter for Narnia on Netflix
Netflix's adaptation of The Magician's Nephew marks the streaming giant’s first major foray into C.S. Lewis’s fantasy world. Previously, Disney adapted three of the Narnia books between 2005 and 2010, starting with The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Prince Caspian, and The Voyage of the Dawn Treader. Those films were widely praised for their faithfulness to the source material and strong production values but were criticized by some for lacking emotional depth.
Gerwig’s version promises a different experience — one that focuses not just on spectacle, but on character development and emotional storytelling. With Netflix’s backing and a premiere planned in IMAX theatres for a two-week limited run before its streaming debut, the film is positioned as a major cinematic event for the 2026 holiday season.
Building Excitement Among Fans
The announcement of Emma Mackey's casting, along with the involvement of powerhouse talents like Daniel Craig and Meryl Streep, has already generated significant buzz among fans and critics alike. Social media has been abuzz with reactions, with many praising the inspired casting choices and expressing anticipation for Gerwig’s vision.
For many, Narnia holds a special place in their childhood memories. Gerwig’s acknowledgment of her own deep love for the books suggests that she understands the weight of the task ahead. Fans are hopeful that her adaptation will honor the spirit of Lewis’s work while offering a fresh and compelling cinematic experience.
With a powerhouse creative team, a stellar cast, and a deeply beloved source material, Greta Gerwig’s The Magician's Nephew is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated releases of 2026. Emma Mackey's turn as the White Witch is sure to be a highlight, offering audiences a new perspective on one of fantasy literature's most iconic villains. As Christmas 2026 approaches, all eyes will be on Netflix — and Narnia — once again.