Greta Gerwig’s ‘Rock Opera’ Vision for Narnia Unveiled in First Trailer for The Magician’s Nephew

Netflix has unveiled the first trailer for *Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew*, directed by Greta Gerwig, known for her work on *Barbie* and *Little Women*. This adaptation of C.S. Lewis’ novel offers fantasy enthusiasts a glimpse into the highly awaited film set a millennium before *The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe*, acting as a prequel to the beloved Chronicles of Narnia saga.

The trailer showcases the origins of Lewis’ universe, including the iconic wardrobe, as protagonists Digory Kirke (David McKenna) and Polly Plummer (Beatrice Campbell) embark on a journey through “infinity worlds” filled with both light and dark magic, guided by the “magician” Andrew Ketterley (Daniel Craig). The visuals align perfectly with the magical, musical vibe that Gerwig aimed to capture.

Gerwig expressed her vision earlier this year, stating, “I wanted a rock opera. I wanted it to be big and transporting. Narnia is literally a world made out of music. It is a world sung to life by Aslan, and rock ’n’ roll to me felt like a world made out of music.” The trailer features Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway to Heaven,” enhancing this musical theme.

*Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew* marks the first live-action adaptation of Lewis’ book. While other entries in the seven-book series have seen multiple adaptations, particularly *The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe*, live-action versions of *Prince Caspian* and *The Voyage of the Dawn Treader* have also been produced. The story has previously been adapted for theater, radio, and comics. Netflix secured the rights to C.S. Lewis’ works in 2018.

Reflecting on her childhood connection to the story, Gerwig shared, “I was a child when I first read *The Magician’s Nephew*, and I fell in love with the gorgeously improbable but completely brilliant concept of a cosmic lion singing the world of Narnia to life. I didn’t know that I would grow up to make films, but a universe built out of music is an idea that always lived in my heart. It is the honor of a lifetime to be asked to imagine it into being. Because of C.S. Lewis’ *The Chronicles of Narnia*, I believed in magic and hidden worlds and adventure. I believed that anywhere could be enchanted and that anyone could be swept up into an epic. That wonder and awe was available to everyone, even ordinary people like me.”

The film features a talented cast, including Emma Mackey, Carey Mulligan, Kobna Holdbrook-Smith, Daniel Craig, Ciarán Hinds, Denise Gough, Susan Wokoma, and Meryl Streep, alongside newcomers David McKenna and Beatrice Campbell.

Originally slated for a 2026 release, the film’s debut has been pushed back. *Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew* is now set to hit IMAX theaters worldwide on February 12, 2027, with streaming on Netflix starting April 2, 2027. Early IMAX screenings will commence on February 10, 2027.