After rumors swirled of multiple other names, Greta Gerwig’sThe Chronicles of Narniahas cast its White Witch. Development on a reboot of the fantasy adventure franchise first began in 2018 when Netflix acquired the rights to the C.S. Lewis novel series, though would begin gaining steam in 2023 when Gerwig was hired to write and direct at least two installments. After reports of conflicts about the movie’s theatrical release,Chronicles of Narniawould again begin movingforward in early 2025 as Meryl Streep entered talks to voice Aslan and a July filming start was shared by producer Amy Pascal.
Now,The Hollywood Reporterhas brought word thatBarbiestar Emma Mackey has been cast as the White Witch forThe Chronicles of Narnia. Though Netflix has not commented on the casting at the time of writing, the news does come a little over a month after Charli XCX was reported to be a frontrunner for the role of the iconic franchise villain, with sources now reporting that it ultimately came down to Mackey andThe Substance’s Margaret Qualley for the part.
What Mackey’s Casting Means For The Chronicles Of Narnia
Gerwig Could Look To More Frequent Collaborators For Other Roles
While there have been multiple adaptations of Lewis' novels, and multiple actors have played the part,Tilda Swinton’s turn as Jadis the White Witch is arguablyChronicles of Narniafans' favoriteof the group. However, what’s interesting about Mackey’s casting as the villain when compared to the Oscar winner is that the latter was in her mid 40s when playing the character, whereas Mackey is still in her late 20s, thus seemingly indicating a younger version of Jadis.
This would align with Jason Isaacs seemingly letting it slip that Gerwig’s first movie would actually adaptThe Magician’s Nephewin lieu ofThe Lion, the Witch and The Wardrobe. The 1955 novelwas a prequel to the main series ofChronicles of Narniabooks, in which the creation of Narnia by Aslan is shown, and Jadis is revealed to have existed before and destroyed an ancient realm known as Charn. While believed to have lived for over 1,000 years before her death, she was always presented as an ageless figure, but Mackey’s casting could give her room to star in the entire franchise.
Beyond the narrative potential behind her casting, Mackey joiningThe Chronicles of Narniacould also open the door for otherprior Gerwig collaboratorsto be cast in the film. Saoirse Ronan, who was absent from theBarbiecast in spite of her and Gerwig’s desire to have her appear, previously confirmed they haven’t had any discussions, but would be open to appearing in the reboot. ShouldThe Magician’s Nephewbe the first movie, though, it may limit Gerwig’s possibilities since it largely focuses on child characters Digory and Polly.
Our Take On Mackey’s Chronicles Of Narnia Casting
An Intriguing Choice For The White Witch
Since her breakthrough role inSex Education, Mackey has certainly enjoyed a pretty quick rise to stardom, though herChronicles of Narniacasting is undeniably her biggest chapter yet. Of everything in her filmography, I think her turn as Jacqueline de Bellefort inKenneth Branagh’sDeath on the Nileis the best showcase of how she could be as The White Witch, bringing just enough sympathy to the role that makes her more villainous moments all the more menacing.
The Chronicles of Narnia
The Chronicles of Narniais a fantasy franchise based on the seven-book series written by C.S. Lewis between 1950 and 1956. The series is set in the magical world of Narnia, where children from our world are transported to fulfill prophecies, battle evil forces, and restore peace under the guidance of Aslan, a mystical lion. The franchise has seen multiple adaptations, including a BBC television series in the late 1980s, three major Hollywood films between 2005 and 2010, and an upcoming reboot by Netflix, which has generated significant anticipation. The franchise is beloved for its rich allegorical storytelling, blending Christian themes with epic fantasy elements.
