First Look at Daniel Craig’s Magician in Netflix’s Narnia Reboot

After giving fans a sneak peek at Aslan, portrayed by Meryl Streep, Netflix is diving deeper into its reboot of the Chronicles of Narnia. This time, we get our first official glimpse of Daniel Craig as Andrew Ketterley.

The image, which surfaced in a UK magazine, has a vibe reminiscent of Doctor Who. Craig is seen in a vintage outfit complete with a work apron, surrounded by an array of lenses and light scattering in every direction. For those unfamiliar with the Narnia lore, it might seem like Craig is embodying a quirky old man character.

However, that’s not quite the case. Craig himself noted that while he’d like to believe his character has good intentions, he’s not entirely convinced. He explained that Ketterley “gets overexcited about what could be, and therefore overlooks the people around him and the consequences of what he’s doing.” Director Greta Gerwig put it bluntly, describing him as “the stupidest magician in the world who actually made magic.”

In a shift from previous adaptations, Netflix is taking a fresh approach to the order of C.S. Lewis’s novels. While earlier films focused on the first three books written, Netflix plans to adapt the series chronologically. This means the first film will be The Magician’s Nephew, which is actually the second-to-last book published.

Craig’s character is pivotal, as he sets in motion the events that will shape the entire series. Alongside Streep, the cast includes David McKenna, Beatrice Campbell, Emma Mackey, Carey Mulligan, and Ciarán Hinds.

Gerwig, known for her work on Lady Bird, Little Women, and Barbie, is directing, writing, and co-producing the film. She expressed her desire for a “rock opera” feel, aiming for something “big and transporting.” Netflix is also producing and has slated the film for its first wide theatrical release on February 12, 2027, with a streaming debut on April 2, 2027.