Greta Gerwig’s highly anticipated Netflix adaptation of The Magician’s Nephew, the first film in her new Chronicles of Narnia series, introduces a surprising change in setting by placing the story in 1955 rather than its original 1900 Victorian-era backdrop. Filming has commenced in London, and recent set photos highlight the shift to post-war Britain, marking a significant departure from C. S. Lewis’ original timeline and potentially altering the unfolding of the entire Narnia saga.
The focus keyword Greta Gerwig Narnia Netflix Reboot appears as this adaptation reimagines the classic series by starting with the prequel, The Magician’s Nephew, recrafted with a mid-20th-century flavor instead of the early 1900s setting found in the novel. This change immediately raises intriguing questions about how other stories within the franchise will align with the new period.
Details from Set Photos Show Post-War British Environment Around London Landmarks
Recent images from the production reveal the area near Bank Station and the Royal Exchange transformed into a mid-1950s London, complete with period-accurate design reflecting post-war Britain. This choice contrasts sharply with the novel’s 1900 summer setting and suggests the filmmakers are opting for a more modern, historically resonant period. Since The Magician’s Nephew serves as a prequel to The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, which originally takes place during World War II in 1940, the 1955 date raises potential continuity challenges.
If the franchise timeline simply shifts forward, the iconic events of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe could be relocated to around the year 2000, signaling a major reimagining of Narnia’s entire chronology. The lavish sets and period details suggest a thoughtfully designed world aimed at immersing viewers in this altered reality.
Plot Elements and Characters Under New Historical Lens
The 1955 setting affects not only the temporal backdrop but also the characterization and contextual grounding of the story’s protagonists. The narrative centers around a young Digory Kirke—iconically known as the Professor in the original series—and his friend Polly Plummer, who embark on an adventure involving magical travel and the inadvertent release of the White Witch’s evil powers in London. This all leads to the creation of Narnia by the lion Aslan. These core themes remain intact, though framed in a distinctly different era.
Emma Mackey has been cast as the White Witch, taking over the role from Tilda Swinton, who portrayed the character in Andrew Adamson’s 2005 film adaptation. Reports also indicate Daniel Craig is negotiating to play Uncle Andrew, the eccentric magician in Digory’s family, while Carey Mulligan is being considered for an undisclosed role. Meryl Streep is the favorite to voice Aslan, supplanting Liam Neeson’s iconic narration from the original films.
Impact of Timeline Shift on the Narnia Franchise’s Narrative Flow
Since the novel The Magician’s Nephew was published in 1955 but written as a prequel set decades earlier, this Netflix reboot’s choice to locate the setting in the same year as the book’s publication is a radical creative decision. C. S. Lewis’ original intent established it as a gateway story leading into the first published Narnia novel, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, which takes place during wartime Britain in 1940. The shifting timeline expands the franchise’s historical reach and may recalibrate the cultural and social contexts in which Narnia’s adventures are experienced.
The relocation to a 1955 London setting redefines the historical and political backdrop against which the characters’ journeys unfold, possibly influencing plot adaptations yet to be revealed. Whether this implies further modernizations in subsequent installments or reflects a standalone artistic reinvention is yet to be confirmed as filming and production proceed.
Cast and Release Plans Elevate Interest in the New Narnia Series
The casting choices for The Magician’s Nephew have sparked discussion and anticipation among fans. With notable stars like Emma Mackey as the White Witch and potential casting of Daniel Craig and Carey Mulligan alongside the legendary Meryl Streep voicing Aslan, the project promises a high-profile reimagining. The inclusion of young actors playing Digory Kirke and Polly Plummer has further raised excitement about how the story’s youthful protagonists will be portrayed in this fresh setting.
Netflix plans to release the movie in theaters briefly in November 2026, followed by a streaming debut on the platform during the Christmas season. This staggered release strategy aims to capture holiday audiences and build momentum for the franchise’s future films.
Potential Consequences for Future Adaptations and Narnia’s Storyline
This reset in temporal setting will likely influence all upcoming adaptations in the Narnia series. If the timeline is advanced throughout, iconic storylines such as The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe may be recontextualized in a later historical frame, potentially the early 2000s, which would significantly alter the nostalgic World War II context of the original. How the series balances respect for C. S. Lewis’ themes with these creative updates remains to be seen as the project develops.
The new Narnia series under Greta Gerwig’s direction could mark a pivotal evolution of the franchise, providing fresh perspectives and modernization while preserving the magical essence beloved by readers and viewers alike. Fans eagerly await further glimpses and official information as production progresses toward its 2026 release date.
