Liam Neeson endorses Meryl Streep for Aslan in Greta Gerwig's Narnia film

Liam Neeson has expressed strong support for Meryl Streep's casting as Aslan in the upcoming Narnia film directed by Greta Gerwig. The performer who provided the voice for the legendary feline in the initial Chronicles of Narnia movie series disclosed that he had no prior knowledge of the upcoming reimagining. During a recent interview with ScreenRant, Neeson admitted that the news of the project was entirely new to him. When informed that Streep would be taking over the role, Neeson reacted positively, stating that if the character, who is depicted as an incarnation of Jesus, is to be portrayed by a woman, there is no one better suited for the part than Streep.

Background

The new film, titled Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew, is based on the sixth book in C.S. Lewis' narrative, which stands as the earliest entry in the chronological sequence, illustrates Aslan forming Narnia a millennium prior to the occurrences in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. Greta Gerwig, who wrote and directed the film, confirmed her intention to adapt the books for Netflix in 2023. Streep officially joined the project in April of last year to voice the central character. Gerwig explained her casting choice in an interview with Empire, noting that she sought an actor who possessed profound depth without pretension and gravitas without morose self-seriousness. She specified that she wanted someone over the age of 70 to bring a wisdom of experience, while also retaining the capacity for fresh wonder. Gerwig also cited David Bowie as an inspiration for Aslan's visual design in this version, which features multicolored eyes and a red-striped face, describing the film's overall aesthetic as big, transporting, and reminiscent of a rock opera. Neeson previously voiced Aslan in three Disney films released between 2005 and 2010: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Prince Caspian, and The Voyage of the Dawn Treader.

Why it matters

The transition of the iconic role from Neeson to Streep marks a significant shift in the franchise's cinematic history, spanning 16 years since the original trilogy. Neeson's public endorsement serves as a bridge between the two eras of the film series, lending credibility to the new adaptation. The character of Aslan is central to the Narnia mythology, often interpreted as a representation of Christ, making the casting decision a focal point for fans and critics alike. Gerwig's specific criteria for the role, emphasizing a blend of age, wisdom, and joy, highlights a distinct artistic direction for this Netflix production compared to the previous Disney iterations. The involvement of two highly acclaimed actors in the same role across different decades underscores the lasting cultural impact of C.S. Lewis' work.

What happens next

Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew is scheduled to open in theaters on February 12, 2027. Following its theatrical run, the film will become available for streaming on Netflix on April 2 of the same year. The release date provides a clear timeline for audiences to witness the new interpretation of the character and the director's vision for the story.