C.S. Lewis’sNarnianovels are among the most beloved children’s books of all time. The first of these fantasy novels wasThe Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, which was published in 1950. The author then penned six moreNarniabooks, which were released in consecutive years, making for a seven-book series in total. Three of these novels have been developed into films in 2005, 2008, and 2010. In July 2023, it was announced thatBarbiedirector Greta Gerwig would be making her own version of theNarniamovies. Shecurrently has a two-film deal with Netflix.
Gerwig’s firstNarniamovie got major news recently. It was confirmed that thisfirst movie would adapt the bookThe Magician’s Nephew. Published in 1955,The Magician’s Nephewis the sixth bookin theChronicles of Narniaseries as per release order. Starting out the adaptation with this book is important in the fantasy universe, as it breaks a long-held tradition.
Greta Gerwig’s Narnia Movies Won’t Begin With The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe
This Goes Against Previous Adaptations
The most shocking part of the recentNarniaannouncement is that it confirms that Gerwig’s series will not begin withThe Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. This decision goes against what was previously expected, asThe Lion, the Witch,and the Wardrobewas the firstNarnianovel put out in terms of release order. WhileThe Magician’s Nephewis a prequel that addresses Aslan’s creation of the world and Digory Kirke’s origins, the 1950 novel is considered the best introduction to the world of Narnia.
It is for this reason that the other two majorNarniaadaptationsended up starting withThe Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. Disney did so when they released their firstNarniamovie in 2005. In fact, that studio only put out three movies and went in terms of release order, so they never reachedThe Magician’s Nephew.BBC also released a TV series adaptation of Lewis' books in the late ‘80sand began withThe Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. So, Gerwig’s version will be the first to go against this trend.
C.S. Lewis Would Actually Agree With The Magician’s Nephew Being First
But Many Scholar’s Feel Differently
While the choice to start withThe Magician’s Nephewmay be unusual, it is one that the novel’s late author might agree with. As per the officialC.S. Lewis website, when the author was questioned about the best order to read the books,he suggested that readers do so in chronological order, aligning with the events of the stories. This would putThe Magician’s Nephewfirst, and see it followed byThe Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe
The Horse and His Boy
The Last Battle
This same source also notes, however, thatthe way to read theNarniabooks is highly divisive. Because of the author’s statement, the books were at one point re-numbered by some publishers, meaning that book buyers could get editions that were labeled based on the chronological, rather than original published order. Still, many scholars advocate reading them in their original order. Lewis never explicitly said that reading the books chronologically was “better,” just that it might make it easier for readers.
Gerwig Is Right To Begin With The Magician’s Nephew Over The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe
Even If It Is Risky
Despite the controversy surrounding the release order, Gerwig made the right decision by breaking the 75-year-held tradition regarding the publishing order. This is not to say that starting withThe Magician’s Nephewis not without its risks. The book is far lesser known and arguably has a weaker story than many of the other novels. That said, the fact that the story is not as adapted makes it such thatGerwig’sNarniais going in a far different direction than previous adaptations.
Her firstNarniamovie is staying truer to the narrative story arc, and this could be a great thing for the franchise. Gerwig has continually asserted how passionate she is about the source material, and taking a chronological approach is one good way to make a faithful adaptation. MakingThe Magician’s Nephewfirst could also be a good way to build up anticipation forThe Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, giving even more runway to what will inevitably be the second film in Gerwig’s budding franchise.
