Meryl Streep offered role of Aslan in Greta Gerwig’s Netflix Narnia film: report

Actress Meryl Streep, who has anti-Trump sympathies, has been rumored to have been offered the role of Aslan in Greta Gerwig’s new Chronicles of Narnia adaptation on Netflix. Aslan is a male lion character who serves as the guardian of the Narnaia. Author C.S. Lewis created Aslan as an allegory for Jesus Christ.

The rumor comes from Nexus Point News. Gerwig’s upcoming Chronicles of Narnia film will be based on The Magician’s Nephew, the sixth book published in the series but the first one in chronological order.

The story follows Digory Kirke and Polly Plummer, two children who discover the origins of Narnia after traveling to the magical world using enchanted rings created by Digory’s uncle, Andrew. The book also introduces Jadis, the villain who later becomes the White Witch.

Casting rumors are already circulating. Deadline reported that Daniel Craig is being considered for the role of Uncle Andrew. More recently, it was reported also reported that singer Charli XCX is being eyed for the role of Jadis.

Gerwig will write and direct the film, which marks her first adaptation in the Narnia universe. Netflix first announced plans for new Narnia movies and shows in 2018. Gerwig was hired in 2020 to direct. The film is still in early stages, but it is set to have a two-week IMAX release in November 2026 before streaming on Netflix.

Gerwig’s last movie, Barbie, was a massive box office success, making $1.44 billion. It also won an Oscar for the song What Was I Made For? by Billie Eilish and Finneas. Charli XCX’s song Speed Drive was also part of the Barbie soundtrack. It is not clear if she would contribute music to Narnia.