Emma Mackey has officially confirmed her casting in Greta Gerwig’s upcoming adaptation of The Chronicles of Narnia, specifically the novel The Magician’s Nephew. Unlike previous adaptations that focused on The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, this film will explore the origins of Narnia as told in the first book chronologically, written by C.S. Lewis. Mackey’s involvement adds significant excitement to the project, highlighting the director’s evolving vision for the beloved fantasy series.
Overview of the Principal Cast and Characters
Although Netflix has yet to release a full official cast list, several key roles have surfaced through various reports. Emma Mackey is set to portray Jadis, the White Witch, but depicting a younger version of the character aligned with The Magician’s Nephew timeline. Other leading roles reportedly include David McKenna and Beatrice Campbell as Digory Kirke and Polly Plummer, the two children journeying to the Wood Between the Worlds and into Narnia. Carey Mulligan is also part of the cast, playing Mabel Kirke, Digory’s mother. Additionally, Denise Gough, best known for her role as Dedra Meero in Andor, has hinted at portraying a “mean” character, although her exact role remains undisclosed.
Emma Mackey on Working with Greta Gerwig
In an interview with MovieWeb, Mackey spoke about her involvement in the film, although she remained tight-lipped on plot details or character specifics. She described the experience as a “wonderful, wonderful process” and expressed admiration for Gerwig, calling her both a friend and a source of creative energy. This collaboration marks Mackey’s second project with Gerwig, having previously acted as Physicist Barbie in the 2023 film Barbie. Other actors like Saoirse Ronan and Timothée Chalamet have also collaborated multiple times with Gerwig, appearing in Lady Bird and Little Women, establishing a close-knit creative group around the director.
“Well, there’s zilch I can tell you about it other than it’s a wonderful, wonderful process so far, and it’s an adventure. And Greta is someone that I have immense respect for, and who’s a friend and a life force. And I’m just very fortunate to be on one of her sets. Truly.” – Emma Mackey, Actress
A New Take on a Classic Character
Jadis, the White Witch, is a central figure in the Narnia series, famously portrayed by Tilda Swinton in Disney’s 2005 adaptation of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. Mackey’s role will focus on a younger version of Jadis, as The Magician’s Nephew is set earlier in the Narnia timeline. This shift offers an opportunity to explore the character’s origins and motivations in greater depth, potentially adding layers to the mythology surrounding Narnia.
Netflix’s Release Strategy and Anticipated Impact
Though this new Chronicles of Narnia adaptation is produced by Netflix, it is scheduled for a theatrical release on November 26, 2026, with a limited four-week run before becoming available for streaming starting December 25. This approach represents a notable change for Netflix, which generally reserves its films for exclusive streaming or limited cinema showings. The move demonstrates confidence in the film’s appeal and underlines the importance of Gerwig’s project as a high-profile launch. Emma Mackey’s participation underscores the film’s significance as part of a growing trend of star-driven Netflix projects receiving broader theatrical exposure.
