A Feminist Aslan? Welcome to Greta Gerwig's Narnia
Hollywood has its fair share of wild casting rumors, but this one? This one's a head-turner. According to Nexus Point News, Meryl Streep is in talks to play Aslan in Greta Gerwig's ‘The Magician's Nephew.' That's right—Streep, the 21-time Oscar nominee and undisputed queen of Hollywood, could be lending her gravitas to Netflix's ambitious ‘Narnia' reboot. And here's the kicker: Aslan will be female in this adaptation.
Some fans are cheering, others are clutching their C.S. Lewis first editions in horror. But before you throw your wardrobe into the fireplace, let's break down why this move might actually be brilliant.
Why Meryl Streep as Aslan Actually Works
Hollywood's history with gender-swapped roles is… let's say, hit or miss. But if anyone can sell the idea of a wise, powerful, otherworldly lion, it's Meryl Streep.
- She's a Shape-Shifter: From Margaret Thatcher to Miranda Priestly, Streep disappears into her roles. If she can convince us she's a ruthless fashion mogul or an iron-willed British Prime Minister, why not an all-knowing, transcendent lion?
- The Voice Factor: Aslan's authority and warmth have always come from his voice. Liam Neeson's take was iconic—but imagine the regal, soothing, yet fierce quality Streep could bring.
- Gerwig's Vision: If there's one thing Greta Gerwig has proven, it's that she doesn't do traditional. From ‘Little Women' to ‘Barbie,' she reinvents classics in ways that spark conversation. A female Aslan? That fits her brand perfectly.
Would C.S. Lewis have approved? Maybe not. But that doesn't mean it won't work.
The Larger Picture: Netflix's Grand ‘Narnia' Plan
Streep isn't the only name linked to Netflix's ‘Narnia' films. Other rumored stars include Daniel Craig, Charli XCX, and Saoirse Ronan—a lineup as eclectic as it is intriguing.
And let's talk scale: Netflix is going all in. Bloomberg recently reported that the streaming giant plans to produce eight ‘Narnia' films, whether or not Gerwig stays on for the whole ride. That's more than Marvel Phase 1.
But why?
Streaming is in an arms race for IP dominance. With ‘Lord of the Rings' and ‘Game of Thrones' already locked up by competitors, ‘Narnia' is Netflix's shot at epic fantasy glory. And what better way to make a splash than a bold, conversation-sparking casting choice?
Controversy Incoming: The Aslan Debate
You can already hear the battle cries from certain corners of the internet. “Aslan is a Christ figure! You can't change his gender!”
Sure, Aslan has long been interpreted as a Jesus-like figure—but let's not forget: Jesus wasn't a lion either.
The real question is, does Aslan's gender matter to the story? His—or her—role is to guide, to challenge, and to ultimately sacrifice for the good of Narnia. If Streep can bring that essence to life, does it really change the message?
And hey, if we're talking historical accuracy, let's not forget that Judi Dench played Shakespeare. Cate Blanchett played Bob Dylan. Gender-flipping a role doesn't erase its impact—it reinterprets it.
What This Means for Greta Gerwig's Hollywood Takeover
Let's not lose sight of the bigger picture here. Greta Gerwig is one of the most powerful directors in Hollywood right now. Netflix handed her the keys to ‘Narnia' because they trust her vision.
If ‘The Magician's Nephew' delivers, Gerwig could become to Netflix what Christopher Nolan is to Universal—a director whose name alone sells tickets (or, in this case, subscriptions).
And if Streep actually signs on? That would be a statement. A signal that this ‘Narnia' isn't just another fantasy franchise—it's an event.
A Risk Worth Taking
This casting choice is going to divide people. No doubt about it. But filmmaking isn't about playing it safe. It's about taking risks that ignite imaginations and challenge expectations.
Streep as Aslan? It's bold. It's unexpected. And it just might be brilliant.
Would you accept Meryl Streep as Aslan, or is this a step too far? Sound off in the comments.
