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Greta Gerwig Can Finally Save Narnia From the Previous Adaptation's Failure

Greta Gerwig Can Finally Save Narnia From the Previous Adaptation's Failure
Image credit: Buena Vista Pictures Distribution, Legion-Media

Fresh off her box-office triumph with Barbie, Greta Gerwig is diving into Narnia's enchanted waters.

Netflix 's choice might raise eyebrows, but let's be real–who better to dust off those old fur coats in the wardrobe than the director who turned a plastic doll into 2023's most talked-about feminist icon?

While Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter 'were busy becoming cultural phenomena in the 2000s, Narnia simply faded away. The 2005 Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe had all the ingredients for success, yet somehow, it never quite captured that same lightning in a bottle. Maybe it was the inconsistent release schedule, but watching this franchise slowly fade away was like losing a childhood friend for me.

This Time, Netflix Isn’t Messing Around With Narnia

The project (still rocking the Untitled Chronicles of Narnia Project) has already gotten James Chinlund, the genius behind the dystopian cityscapes of Batman, to develop their vision of Narnia. Talking animals and magical scenery getting the same atmospheric treatment that gave Gotham City its sense of life? Yeah, I'm here for it!

Greta Gerwig’s Narnia Cast Remains Unknown

Nothing's set in stone yet. NarniaWeb has confirmed that the search for young actors has begun. Given Gerwig's knack for spotting talent (hello, Saoirse Ronan in 'Lady Bird'), we're probably in for some surprising but spot-on choices.

Who knows? Maybe Margot Robbie will trade her pink heels for snow boots.

I Know, I Know, Another Adaptation

Greta Gerwig Can Finally Save Narnia From the Previous Adaptation's Failure - image 1

Look, we've seen Narnia before. The 2005 film had its moments, but it never quite grabbed us like Middle-earth did. Gerwig's not just another director playing it safe – she's got this weird magic where she takes stories we think we know (looking at you, Little Women) and makes them feel brand new without losing what made them special in the first place.

And honestly, the timing couldn't be more perfect. We’re living in the fantasy Renaissance era, and Netflix needs a win. But this isn't just another attempt to chase Game of Thrones ’ glory. With Gerwig's creative chops and Netflix's deep pockets backing the project, we might finally get the Narnia adaptation that will be wildly appreciated.

Is Greta Gerwig’s Narnia Project Going to Be Good?

Honestly, chances are pretty high, if you ask me! Bringing Gerwig on board is pretty much Netflix saying, 'We mean business.' Between Gerwig's track record of breathing new life into already beloved stories and the top-tier talent they're already bringing on board, I'm betting all my money that this version of Narnia will be worth the wait. And hey, I'm 100% sure that this time it won't be another soulless remake – Gerwig doesn't know how to make those.