Gerwig’s Star-Studded 'Narnia' Hit by Delays — Is Netflix’s First IMAX Gamble at Risk?

It appears Greta Gerwig’s much-anticipated take on The Magician’s Nephew — her first journey into the world of The Chronicles of Narnia — won’t be stepping through the wardrobe just yet. Despite early whispers of a July shoot, production is now reportedly delayed until autumn, according to ScreenDaily. For fans eagerly awaiting a return to C.S. Lewis’s enchanted world, it’s a slightly disappointing development — but not altogether unexpected in the realm of big-budget fantasy.

This news comes despite previous signals pointing to a summer start. Producer Amy Pascal had confidently mentioned a mid-year shoot, and casting calls for child roles seemed to back that up, noting a June-through-December availability. But eagle-eyed followers over at NarniaWeb, an unofficial yet deeply devoted fan site, began picking up on inconsistencies weeks ago. Something, clearly, wasn’t adding up. And now the schedule shuffle has gone public.

The delay raises more than a few eyebrows — not least because the project marks Netflix’s first planned theatrical-exclusive release in partnership with IMAX, ahead of its inevitable landing on the streaming platform just in time for Christmas 2026. A bold move, to be sure. But with seven months of filming still ahead and the clock ticking, one has to wonder: can this ambitious timeline still hold?

Of course, the cast gives plenty of reasons to remain excited. With names like Emma Mackey, Carey Mulligan, Daniel Craig and Meryl Streep already attached — and Saoirse Ronan reportedly in talks — Gerwig is assembling an ensemble that’s more awards-season than fairy tale. Still, even the most magical of worlds require careful planning. And as any traveller to Narnia knows, timing is everything.