Greta Gerwig's Narnia movie offers first look at Aslan – as voiced by Meryl Streep

Netflix's upcoming reboot of the Narnia film series, inspired by the timeless novels of CS Lewis, has unveiled a first look at its reimagined Aslan.

Narnia: The Magician's Nephew adapts the book of the same name, which has never before been adapted to live-action, with an all-star cast assembled for the project.

Although it was the sixth book to be released, The Magician's Nephew is chronologically first in the fantasy saga, taking readers back to the very creation of the realm by Aslan.

The long-gestating project has been in the works since 2018, when Netflix first acquired the rights from the Lewis estate, with Barbie and Little Women filmmaker Greta Gerwig eventually taking the reins.

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First-look images given to Empire Magazine confirm long-circulating rumours that Meryl Streep would be voicing the noble lion, which is predictably generating spirited debate in all the usual online forums.

A striking image of Aslan on the cover offers a close look at distinctive features of the redesign, such as a mosaic pattern on his nose, multicoloured whiskers and shimmering, almost feather-like fur on his face.

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Commenting on Streep's casting, director Gerwig told Empire: "I wanted someone who was profound but not pretentious, who had gravitas but not morose self-seriousness.

"Someone who could communicate depth and pathos as well as joy and delight. I wanted someone who was older than 70, so there was a wisdom of experience, but who also had the capacity of fresh wonder, like a child."

She added: "And also to be one of the greatest actors to ever do it. That list is not a long one."

Another image shared to Empire was official concept art by Jaime Jones, depicting Aslan's creation of Narnia, positioning him in silhouette as a bright circle of light rises in the distance.

(If Empire's coverage is any indication, Aslan will still be male, despite being voiced by Streep.)

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The Magician's Nephew cast also includes Emma Mackey (Sex Education), Carey Mulligan (Beef), Ciarán Hinds (The Narrow Road to the Deep North), Daniel Craig (Knives Out), Denise Gough (Andor) and Susan Wokoma (Enola Holmes).

It is one of several high-profile films coming next year that will lead Netflix's renewed push to compete in the theatrical space, enjoying a longer exclusive window in cinemas before heading to the streamer.

Narnia: The Magician's Nephew arrives in cinemas on 12 February 2027, and will be available on Netflix from 2 April 2027.

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Authors

David Craig is the Senior Drama Writer for Radio Times, covering the latest and greatest scripted drama and comedy across television and streaming. Previously, he worked at Starburst Magazine, presented The Winter King Podcast for ITVX and studied Journalism at the University of Sheffield.