Greta Gerwig says Streep brings the wisdom, authority and wonder she wanted for Aslan, while some critics argue changing the traditionally male voice weakens C.S. Lewis’ Christ-centered symbolism.
Netflix’s upcoming adaptation of C.S. Lewis’ The Magician’s Nephew is drawing fresh debate after director Greta Gerwig confirmed that Meryl Streep will voice Aslan, the lion at the heart of The Chronicles of Narnia.
Why Gerwig chose Streep
Gerwig said she wanted an actor capable of conveying both gravitas and joy. She described Streep as someone who could bring depth and pathos alongside a sense of wonder, and said she specifically wanted an older performer whose voice carried wisdom without becoming overly solemn.
Christian critics question the change
The casting has nevertheless drawn criticism from some Christian commentators and pastors who argue that Aslan’s male identity is significant because Lewis conceived the character as a representation of Christ within the fictional world of Narnia.
Critics quoted by The Christian Post described the decision as an unnecessary alteration to one of the most recognizable Christian figures in modern fantasy literature.
Lewis himself resisted describing Narnia as a simple allegory. Instead, he explained Aslan as an imaginative “supposal” of how Christ might appear in another world. That distinction has intensified the debate among readers who believe Aslan’s identity carries more theological weight than an ordinary fictional character.
Netflix plans a theatrical and streaming release
Gerwig has emphasized that she grew up loving The Magician’s Nephew and is approaching the film as an origin story centered on the creation of Narnia.
Netflix says the adaptation will be the first screen version of the 1955 novel, with David McKenna, Beatrice Campbell, Emma Mackey, Carey Mulligan, Daniel Craig and Streep among the cast.
The film is scheduled to open in theaters on February 12, 2027, following IMAX previews beginning February 10, before arriving on Netflix on April 2, 2027.
