Irish actress Denise Gough, known for her role in Andor, has joined the cast of the Greta Gerwig Narnia adaptation, announcing her involvement on the podcast We’re Not Kidding with Mehdi & Friends. Gough mentioned she will portray a “mean” character in the upcoming Netflix film, which adapts C.S. Lewis’s The Magician’s Nephew.
Although Gough did not specify her exact role, Emma Mackey has been cast as Jadis, the White Witch. The “mean” description from Gough could indicate she plays Aunt Letty, a sharp-tongued but lesser-known character. Rumors suggest Daniel Craig will take on the part of Uncle Andrew, another antagonist. Beatrice Campbell has also joined the cast as Polly Plummer, marking her second on-screen collaboration with Gough after their mother-daughter roles in The Stolen Girl, a somber Freeform series now available on Hulu. Carey Mulligan is said to appear as Digory’s mother, while speculation surrounds Meryl Streep potentially voicing Aslan, the iconic lion often central to Narnia stories. Interestingly, the score will be composed by Mark Ronson, who is Streep’s son-in-law.
Production Progress and Setting Changes
Filming began last month in London, where director Greta Gerwig has been spotted working at well-known locations such as Bank Station and The Royal Exchange. The production has transformed the city into a 1950s environment, a departure from the late-19th-century era seen in Lewis’s book. This modernized time period may influence the entire series, potentially shifting future adaptations like The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe from a World War II backdrop to settings closer to the early 2000s.
Netflix continues to keep many cast members unannounced, despite leaked images revealing young actors believed to be portraying Digory and Polly dressed in period costumes. Filming will continue through early 2026 at Shepperton Studios and various countryside locations across England. The film’s release is planned for late 2026, with a simultaneous rollout in IMAX theaters and on Netflix, giving longtime fans of the Narnia universe an opportunity to experience this fresh interpretation.
Bringing the World of Narnia to Life
The Greta Gerwig Narnia adaptation is a significant project for Netflix, aiming to breathe new energy into the beloved fantasy series. With a star-studded cast including Denise Gough, Emma Mackey, Daniel Craig, and Carey Mulligan, the production blends familiar talent with changes in setting and tone. The decision to update the timeframe and filming in authentic London locations reflects a creative vision that could redefine how audiences connect with the Narnia stories.
As filming continues and additional casting announcements are expected, the project’s development remains closely watched by fans and critics alike. With a scheduled release in about two years, anticipation is building for how this version will honor or transform the magic originally penned by C.S. Lewis.
“I’m doing a film with Greta Gerwig called Narnia. So that’s, I’m playing someone mean in that, but it’s fine, it’s to children, it’s okay.” – Denise Gough, Actress
