Narnia Casting Rumors Hint That Greta Gerwig’s Remake Will Repeat The Movies’ Best Choice (Just Not How I Expected)

We finally have some tentative casting news for Greta Gerwig’s The Chronicles of Narnia movies, and it looks as if the new film franchise is taking the old Disney movies’ lead—though not in the way I had expected. It has been standard in many fantasy franchises that fresh faces be brought in for child roles, while experienced actors are cast as the adults. There are benefits to this mix of the new and the familiar, and I had anticipated that Gerwig would take a similar approach for her upcoming Netflix project. However, recent casting rumors suggest a bold new strategy for Narnia.

While there is currently no definitive confirmation, rumors suggest that Gerwig is considering Charli XCX for her Narnia movies. This singer and songwriter has undeniable talent, and has claimed several Grammy Awards for songs like “Van Dutch” and her album BRAT. Charli XCX also has some personal experience with Gerwig, since she wrote the song “Speed Drive” for the Barbie soundtrack. In this sense, it’s no big surprise that Gerwig and Charli XCX would work together again. However, the artist’s lack of acting experience is what makes this Narnia news so intriguing.

Chronicles Of Narnia’s Charli XCX Casting Rumors Suggest The Remake Is Repeating A Smart Movie Choice

Gerwig’s Narnia Won’t Depend on A-List Actors

It isn’t entirely uncommon for directors to cast actors new to the game for these big fantasy franchises. Doing so has significant benefits, since A-list actors’ reputations can sometimes get in the way. Over several years of actors delivering powerful and memorable performances, it can sometimes be difficult for audiences to see a new character on the screen instead of the familiar actor. By casting someone with great potential who we aren’t used to seeing on the screen in this way, Gerwig can ensure that her Narnia character shines through.

This is precisely what the Disney Chronicles of Narnia movies did. While there were some big names attached to the project, the primary protagonists were actors fresh to the industry. Of course, it’s standard for child characters like the Pevensies to be cast in this way. Adult characters are often played by experienced actors who can balance out the performances of the child stars. So, while Gerwig is following the previous Narnia movie in some regard, she is going about it in a surprising way.

Netflix’s Remake Might Be Using The Movies’ Pevensie Casting Strategy For Its Adult Characters

Typically, The Adults Are The A-Listers

Disney’s Narnia movies did precisely what nearly every other massive fantasy franchise with child protagonists has done. The Pevensies, Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy, were played by William Moseley, Ana Popplewell, Skandar Keynes, and Georgie Henley, respectively—all of whom were mostly unfamiliar to general audiences. However, to balance out their green performances, Narnia cast names like Liam Neeson and Tilda Swinton for the adult characters. Franchises like Harry Potter and even Game of Thrones took the same route. The kids were new, but the adults were big names.

While Charli XCX is certainly popular, she hasn’t established herself as an actor. It can safely be assumed that she won’t be cast as one of the Pevensies, so Gerwig seems to be turning Disney’s casting approach upside down. There is a benefit to this, of course. Charli will be able to establish herself seamlessly as the character she will play in the upcoming Narnia movies. Her previous acting performances won’t draw audiences in the same way Neeson and Swinton did for the Disney franchise, but Charli XCX’s newness to this medium will be inviting in a different way.

Who Charli XCX Could Be Playing In Greta Gerwig’s Narnia Remake

Charli XCX Could Make A Great White Queen

The rumors regarding Charli XCX’s casting suggest that she is being considered to play Jadis the White Witch in Gerwig’s Narnia movies. This would make the most sense, and it’s certainly exciting to imagine the edgy singer as Narnia’s coldest villain. There have also been hints that Gerwig will start with C.S. Lewis’ prequel, The Magician’s Nephew, rather than the traditional The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. This would mean that Charli XCX could be playing a version of the White Witch at her inception, which has yet to be seen on screen. This would be perfectly fitting for her acting debut.

Of course, it’s also possible that Charli XCX is being considered for a voice part. Narnia is mainly populated by talking animals, and Gerwig may be planning to bring Charli in for a voice cameo rather than a prominent role. Still, given the benefits of bringing new actors in for major roles in the fantasy genre, this would be a bit disappointing. The prior Narnia movies introduced the potential of this method, so now it’s time for Gerwig to explore it further.

The Chronicles of Narnia

Created by

C.S. Lewis

First Episode Air Date

November 13, 1988

Summary

The Chronicles of Narnia is a fantasy franchise based on the seven-book series written by C.S. Lewis between 1950 and 1956. The series is set in the magical world of Narnia, where children from our world are transported to fulfill prophecies, battle evil forces, and restore peace under the guidance of Aslan, a mystical lion. The franchise has seen multiple adaptations, including a BBC television series in the late 1980s, three major Hollywood films between 2005 and 2010, and an upcoming reboot by Netflix, which has generated significant anticipation. The franchise is beloved for its rich allegorical storytelling, blending Christian themes with epic fantasy elements.

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