Greta Gerwig’s Narnia Reboot Gets Its First Controversial Casting Rumour
Barbie’s director has been attached to the project since last year and is currently looking for new faces for the future franchise. Some of those might be a questionable choice though.
Things are finally moving forward for Greta Gerwig’s upcoming adaptation of C.S. Lewis’ beloved book series, but probably not in a way most of the fans expected to see it.
The project was announced last year, with Gerwig initially set to helm two movies, though something might have changed in this regard too, as Netflix was reportedly aiming at a much bigger film series.
With a release schedule set sometime in 2026, the Narnia reboot’s first movie is currently getting closer to its production start, and the first casting news about a major role has so far been nothing more but quite shocking.
Greta Gerwig Might Cast Charli XCX to Play Jadis the White Witch in Narnia’s Reboot
Nothing about the future movie’s ensemble has been announced officially yet, but, as Deadline reports, Gerwig is eyeing British singer and Grammy winner Charli XCX for portraying Jadis the White Witch, the role that in the previous franchise belonged to Tilda Swinton.
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The outlet also adds that the singer has been in serious talks with Netflix for some time now, which probably means she’s the most likely contender for the role.
If Charli XCX being on board for the project is confirmed at some point, Gerwig’s Narnia will become the singer’s first major cinematic job; she isn’t new to starring in movies though, as her upcoming film credits also include Cathy Yan’s The Gallerist, Romain Gavras' Sacrifice, and Gregg Araki's I Want Your Sex.
Narnia Fans Aren’t Happy About Charli XCX Potentially Joining the Reboot
Things might have been way different had the singer been eyed for a minor role, but the original franchise’s fans don’t seem to be so excited about Charli XCX taking on the role of the White Witch.
“I love her and Gerwig but I would not be able to take this seriously 😭”, Redditor rideriseroar commented in a newly created thread, while another user Key_Town wondered whether Charli XCX had enough acting experience for a role that big, adding that “she’s in all these upcoming projects, but I've never seen her do a convincing portrayal. When she was on SNL, she was just kinda playing herself in every sketch”.
However, there were still some who saw a silver lining, suggesting that the singer in fact can be a good fit for the franchise.
“The only stretch to me is the poise - the attitude Charli has feels right for the character. Also, since Jadis’s skin turns white only when she eats the fruit in the garden, it’s safe to assume (imo) that she can be brunette/dark haired up to that point”, Redditor akanewasright commented, getting some support from others who said they have trust in what Greta Gerwig does anyway.
