Netflix has unveiled the first trailer for Greta Gerwig's upcoming high-fantasy film, Narnia: The Magician's Nephew. The production is slated for an IMAX theatrical release on February 12, 2027, followed by a streaming debut on Netflix on April 2 .
Gerwig's 2020 script drafts and the move to a prequel
Greta Gerwig began laying the groundwork for this Narnia adaptation years before her work on Barbie became a global phenomenon. According to the report, Gerwig submitted early script drafts for the project in 2020 and 2021. This development occurred after Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos acquired the rights to the C.S. Lewis series and sought a director to helm the franchise.
The decision to launch the series with a prequel rather than the more famous The Lion,the Witch, and the Wardrobe was a deliberate creative choice. Gerwig advised Sarandos to start with The Magician's Nephew, a strategy that mirrors the original intentions of author C.S. Lewis. By focusing on the origins of the magical world, the film aims to establish the lore of the various universes before moving into the more established Narnia chronicles.
A "Stairway to Heaven" soundtrack for a steampunk Narnia
The debut trailer suggests a "steampunk fantasy edge" that will define the visual and auditory experience of this adaptation. A major highlight of the footage is the use of Led Zeppelin's "Stairway to Heaven," a song known for its strict licensing requirements.. As reported by ScreenRant, Gerwig sceured the rights by personally communicating with band members Robert Plant and Jimmy Page, who reportedly share a reverence for Lewis's work.
Visual elements in the trailer show characters Digory and Polly traveling from England into different dimensions using magical rings found in Uncle Andrew's study. The production team reportedly began working on the film's music much earlier than usual to ensure the score was deeply integrated with the story's themes. This early preparation underscores the importance of the musical landscape in creating the film's unique atmosphere.
Meryl Streep and Daniel Craig lead the 2027 ensemble
The upcoming film features a high-profile cast designed to bring legendary characters to life for a new generation. Meryl Streep is set to voice the lion Aslan, while Emma Mackey will play the future White Witch, Jadis. The ensemble also includes Daniel Craig as Andrew Ketterley, Carey Mulligan as Flora Kirke, and David McKenna as the young Digory Kirke.
Netflix recently showcased the trailer at an exclusive IMAX sneak peek event in New York City. The event, which included a Q&A with Gerwig, was hosted by Stephen Colbert and attended by industry observers like ScreenRant's Jordan Williams. Other cast members appearing in the production include Beatrice Campbell as Polly Plummer, Kobna Holdbrook-Sith as Frank, and Ciarán Hinds.
The missing sound of Meryl Streep’s Aslan
While the trailer provides a glimpse into the massive scope of the film, certain details remain shrouded in mystery. Although the footage includes a brief snippet of a lion's roar, Netflix has not yet revealed the actual voice of Meryl Streep's Aslan. This remains a primary point of anticipation for fans as the February 2027 theatrical premiere approaches.
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