AceShowbiz - Netflix's upcoming adaptation of The Chronicles of Narnia is undergoing significant updates, including a major title revision and confirmation of its age rating. The beloved fantasy series originally penned by C.S. Lewis between 1950 and 1956 includes seven novels and has sold over 100 million copies worldwide in 47 languages. Its previous live-action film adaptations grossed more than $1.5 billion globally, with titles such as The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe (2005), Prince Caspian (2008), and The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (2010).

In a recent interview on The Gary & Kenny Show, producer Mark Gordon, known for his work on Speed and Saving Private Ryan, shared key details about Netflix’s new project. Contrary to what many expected, the film will not carry the full "Chronicles of Narnia" title. Instead, it will be called Narnia, with the story based specifically on Lewis's first chronologically ordered novel, The Magician's Nephew. This book, while first in the narrative timeline, was not the initial novel Lewis wrote in the series.

Gordon also confirmed a star-studded cast featuring Meryl Streep, Daniel Craig, Emma Mackey, and Carey Mulligan. He described the movie as a "four-quadrant, all-audience movie," indicating that it will be suitable and enjoyable for viewers of all ages. The producer anticipates the film will carry a PG rating, aligning with the tone of the original film franchise.

“It’s called Narnia. We're not calling it Chronicles, but yes, it’s based on the books, the Chronicles of Narnia. The first book, which is The Magician's Nephew. Actually, the first chronologically, but not the first book that [C.S. Lewis] wrote,” Gordon explained. “Hopefully, it’ll be more than one [movie]. We’re done filming. We finished in February. It is a four-quadrant, all-audience movie that will be a delight for kids. I'm sure it'll be PG. [The cast] are wonderful, and they will, you know, delight and surprise the audience.”

Director Greta Gerwig, acclaimed for her work on Barbie, is both writing and directing this adaptation. The film’s plot centers on two children, Digory and Polly, who discover magical rings that transport them between worlds. Their adventures lead to the awakening of the evil Queen Jadis and the creation of Narnia by the lion Aslan, also revealing the true origins of the iconic wardrobe from earlier stories.

According to Gordon, filming wrapped in February, and the production team is currently deep in post-production. The movie will feature a significant amount of visual effects, but the team has consciously chosen not to use AI technology in their process. Gordon shared mixed feelings about AI, highlighting concerns about its suitability for the high level of detail required for an IMAX screening.

“It’s really a beautiful film. You know, we’re still seriously into post-production. We’ve got an enormous amount of visual effects shots in the movie. Not using AI. We could’ve embraced it aggressively, we didn’t. And I would say that there is still a question of when you’re screening a movie in IMAX, what level of detail you’re going to get [with AI]. I’m not an AI expert, I have mixed feelings about AI, the way many people do,” Gordon remarked.

The film is scheduled for an exclusive IMAX release on Thanksgiving, followed by its streaming debut on Netflix on December 25, 2026. This marks nearly eight years of planning since the project was first announced. With Gerwig attached to direct and write, and hints from Gordon about multiple films, Narnia could be the start of a larger cinematic franchise on Netflix.

Additional cast members include Emma Mackey as Jadis, the White Witch; Meryl Streep lending her voice to Aslan; Carey Mulligan portraying Mabel Kirke; and David McKenna as Digory Kirke. The production team also features producers Mark Gordon, Amy Pascal, and Rachel O’Connor.

Fans of C.S. Lewis’s fantasy world can look forward to experiencing a fresh cinematic take that promises to capture the magic and wonder of Narnia, introducing this timeless tale to a new generation. As the release date approaches, more details on the film’s reception and potential sequels are expected to emerge.