Gerwig Reveals Narnia Film Details at Netflix IMAX Preview

Netflix and Greta Gerwig presented a preview of Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew at a special IMAX event in New York, where the director revealed details about the trailer, production process, and cast selection for the adaptation of C.S. Lewis’s fantasy novel.

The event included the first trailer and behind-the-scenes footage, with Gerwig discussing the film’s origins, creative approach, and connection to the Narnia books she has read since childhood.

The trailer features Led Zeppelin’s song Stairway to Heaven, which received permission from Jimmy Page and Robert Plant for its first appearance in a film or television project, according to the presentation.

The preview opened with a quotation from C.S. Lewis displayed on screen: "Someday you will be old enough to start reading fairy tales again," attributed to C.S. Lewis.

Gerwig explained her long relationship with the books during a conversation with Stephen Colbert, describing how the series influenced her identity and filmmaking interests.

"I don’t remember a time where I didn’t remember the books," said Greta Gerwig, director of Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew.

Gerwig said the project began before Barbie, with early script drafts written in 2020 and 2021. She also visited Oxford and Belfast to better understand C.S. Lewis and his influences.

"You wanna write the movie?" said Ted Sarandos, Netflix head, during Gerwig’s account of how the project developed.

Gerwig said faith, creativity, and collaboration were central themes in her filmmaking process, linking artistic work with community and hope.

"Being an artist is an act of hope," said Greta Gerwig, director of Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew.

The director described the production as a collaborative effort involving practical sets, real plants, and contributions from the wider crew. She said she encouraged experimentation while building the fantasy world.

"safe space for stupidity" was how Greta Gerwig described the creative environment she wanted on set.

The film’s story centers on the friendship between Digory Kirke and Polly Plummer, played by David McKenna and Beatrice Campbell. According to the presentation, thousands of actors were considered before the two young performers were selected.

Gerwig said the screen test showed the connection she wanted between the young actors, noting their natural care for each other during the process.

"kids were already taking care of each other," said Greta Gerwig, director of Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew.

Adult cast members also supported the young actors during production. Daniel Craig plays Digory’s uncle Andrew Ketterley in the film.

"I’m a bit nervous for rehearsal," said Daniel Craig, actor in Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew.

"Don’t worry. Greta’s really kind," said Beatrice Campbell, actor in Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew.