At the Los Angeles premiere of Stephen King’s The Institute, actor Ben Barnes expressed his excitement for the upcoming Netflix adaptation of the Narnia series, directed by Greta Gerwig. Barnes, well-known for portraying Prince Caspian in the earlier The Chronicles of Narnia films, highlighted the importance of fresh approaches to classic literature to engage new audiences.
“With classic literature, there’s no end to the ways they can be adapted as long as it’s being fresh and it’s speaking to a new generation,”
Barnes told Variety.
I think that those stories have this one, some fantasy really allows you to tell beautifully allegorical stories about hope and goodness and faith. I think that it’d be really interesting to see her take on that. I’m thrilled that [Narnia] is getting retold.”
Details on Greta Gerwig’s Adaptation and Star-Studded Cast
Greta Gerwig is both writing and directing the new fantasy adventure, which reportedly centers on The Magician’s Nephew, the sixth novel in C.S. Lewis’s Narnia series. The cast includes notable actors such as Daniel Craig, Meryl Streep, and Emma Mackey, with Carey Mulligan reportedly in discussions to join the ensemble. This star power signals a major reimagining of Lewis’s beloved work for a contemporary audience.
Ben Barnes Reflects on His Roles and Legacy in Fantasy Stories
During the premiere event, Barnes drew comparisons between his character in The Institute and his role in the Narnia saga, describing a shared theme of guiding younger characters through challenges. He emphasized his personal interest in portraying a figure with strong moral conviction.
“When I was in my early twenties, I was involved in telling those stories for the next generation,”
Barnes remarked.
“So, to get back to playing a man with a real firm grasp on his moral compass, who is fighting to stand up for what’s right. It was something that I was really interested in.”
About The Institute Series and Its Young Cast
The Institute follows the story of Luke Ellis (played by Joe Freeman), a boy with extraordinary abilities who is taken captive to a secretive facility housing children with similar powers like telekinesis and telepathy. The series, streaming on MGM+, features a predominantly Gen Z cast, who bring depth to their complex characters.
Simone Miller, who portrays Kalisha, a teenager trapped at the facility, expressed pride in the younger actors’ portrayals and the importance of representing their generation’s resilience.
“I’m really excited for people to just see that resilience and reflect it in Gen Z as well because we have such a strong generation and to represent that is amazing,”
Miller said.
“I know a lot of people may not know our younger cast. It may be the first time you’re seeing them, but it will not be the last. They are so incredible and bring nuance to multifaceted characters and I’m just so proud to stand alongside them and watch them flourish and get to be a part of their journey.”
Fionn Laird, who plays Nicky, shared his anticipation for audiences to witness the evolving relationship between his character and Luke.
“I think I’m looking forward to them kind of seeing [Nicky] come out of his shell with Luke arriving at the institute and watching them at first be standoffish, but then having this brotherly relationship at certain points and watching that wax wane naturally.”
Premiere and Series Launch Information
The premiere event also featured director Jack Bender and executive producer Benjamin Carvell, who introduced the first episode of the new season. A special recorded message from Stephen King affirmed that the show remains a faithful adaptation of his 2019 novel.
The Institute is set to premiere on July 13 exclusively on MGM+.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What happened with Greta Gerwig and Margot Robbie?
A. The movie got a nomination for best picture, but Greta Gerwig wasn’t nominated for best director, and Margot Robbie was missing from the best actress category. These omissions upset many people online and among their peers. The Associated Press said Gerwig’s exclusion was “one of the biggest shocks in recent memory.”
Q. How many Narnia movies will Greta Gerwig make?
A. After the worldwide success of Barbie last year, Greta Gerwig, an American filmmaker, will direct two movies from The Chronicles of Narnia series. These films are scheduled to hit theaters and Netflix in 2026. There is a possibility that actress Saoirse Ronan and singer Charli XCX might be part of these projects.
Q. Who did Greta Gerwig lose to?
A. To clarify, Gerwig was excluded in place of directors like Christopher Nolan for “Oppenheimer,” Yorgos Lanthimos for “Poor Things,” and Jonathan Glazer for “The Zone of Interest.” Martin Scorsese for “Killers of the Flower Moon” and Justine Triet for “Anatomy of a Fall” were also chosen, with Triet’s selection possibly being the most unexpected.
Q. Is Greta Gerwig religious?
A. Gerwig grew up following the beliefs of Unitarian Universalism. She went to St. Francis High School, a Catholic school for girls in Sacramento, and finished her studies there in 2002.
