Report: Seamus McGarvey Named Director of Photography for Netflix’s Narnia
Two-time Academy Award-nominated cinematographer Seamus McGarvey has been chosen to serve as Director of Photography for Netflix’s upcoming Narnia film, directed by Greta Gerwig, according to Production Weekly. His previous credits include Atonement (2007), The Avengers (2012), Anna Karenina (2012), Godzilla (2014), and The Greatest Showman (2017).
Netflix has not confirmed this information, and Seamus McGarvey’s representatives did not respond to our request for comment before publication.
What Does a Director of Photography Do?
The Director of Photography plays a crucial role in shaping the visual tone of a film. Responsible for lighting, camera movement, and composition, the DP’s choices significantly impact the story’s mood and atmosphere.
For example, compare the look of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (DP Don McAlpine) to Prince Caspian (DP Karl Walter Lindenlaub). The first film’s soft, bright aesthetic contrasts with the second’s grittier, more dramatic visuals—reflecting the darker themes of Prince Caspian.
McGarvey himself has spoken about the importance of cinematography beyond aesthetics:
I think people just see cinematography as being about photography and innovative shots and beautiful lighting. We all want our movies to look great visually, to be beguiling and enticing, but I think that what really defines a great cinematographer is one who loves story.”
Seamus McGarvey
Will Narnia Be Shot in IMAX?
Along with the rest of the industry, Walden Media’s Narnia films evolved in their approach to cinematography. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe and Prince Caspian were shot on film, while The Voyage of the Dawn Treader transitioned to digital.
McGarvey has worked extensively with both formats—shooting Atonement and Anna Karenina on film, while opting for digital on The Greatest Showman.
The biggest question now is whether Netflix’s Narnia will be filmed in IMAX. CEO Richard Gelfond revealed in January that Gerwig was still undecided ahead of the film’s planned exclusive IMAX release in November 2026.
Related:
- What Does James Chinlund’s Hiring Mean For Narnia? | Analysis
- Netflix’s Narnia Movies to Begin with ‘The Magician’s Nephew’
- Greta Gerwig’s Cinematic Influences for Narnia Revealed?
Thanks to ‘absolutepowerabsolutley’ in our Discord group for the heads up!
Kinda called it
the work in Atonement and the work in Nocturnal Animals told me he would be the one
Perfect choice
Rodrigo Prieto seems to be working with Martin Scorsese soon and Yorick Les Saux is also busy
I’ve seen Greatest showman, cinematography was really good. Looks like he’s a frequent Collaborator With Director Joe Wright, Atonement and Anna Karenina are Wright’s Film. And Atonement Stared former Mr. Tumnus
James Chinlund and this guy have both worked on Avengers
I hope there’s more cast Announcements, I’m still Counting on Timothy Dalton as Aslan
Casting rumors aside, I’m loving the crew being assembled for this film. Atonement is a lovely picture, visually. Seamus McGarvey can handle both quiet character moments and large scale action, so this is an exciting pick. Can’t wait to see who we get as composer.
@Forrest maybe Dario Marianelli as a composer? She clearly loves the work of Joe Wright and his HODs, Sarah Greenwood and Jacqueline Durran as well as Katie Spenser.
After watching Queer, I’m curious to see to Daniel Craig take the role of the Magician as well
Interesting that Atonement also starred Saoirse Ronan
@Alex Anaros Oh, nice choice. Dario Marianelli would be excellent. His Pride and Prejudice soundtrack is magical. Let’s hope so. And you’re right, regarding the overlap of Joe Wright’s HODS also working with Greta. I hadn’t realized that. Good eye.
I still think there are better suited performers for Uncle Andrew, but Daniel Craig is a great actor, so they could do worse.
Responding to Alex Anaros, If you’re interested in Potential Narnia Composers, Check out my YouTube channel called Netflix Narnia Updates, Were I have a Playlist with different Potential Narnia composers, Including Dario Marianelli, Her Work is Absolutely beautiful and so Classical. That and this guys Cinematography would make Narnia So Tremendously Beautiful. Makes Me so Excited thinking about it.
I also like the idea of Long Shots in Narnia, My favorite Filmaker Sir Kenneth Branagh does That for his films Particularly His 1996 hamlet film, It’s something David Lean Was Also very keen on in his Films. I think it’s just a very British way of doing things, there nice and slow and like to show you the whole Picture and let you as a Audience think, unlike American films which go Super fast and don’t give you any room for thought Process. So I believe this is Greta’s attempt to bring that Sense of British cinema to Narnia, Like she said this Not are Country, let’s treat it with Extreme Respect. I have great Confidence in Greta’s Vision, she has so far shown respect for Narnia’s Cultural and Religious Significance, Despite being a nonbeliever.
I also believe when it comes to Greta’s Narnia Project, some People are kinda Harsh critics, Andrew Adamson was not a Christian Either and he Adapted it fine, as for her Feminist beliefs, I think she’s made it quite clear that she is Staying true and Respectful to C.S Lewis’s Work, Even Quiting some Of Lewis’s Is Other work, Which no other Narnia Director has Acknowledged Lewis wrote any other books then Narnia. As For her co Writing Snow white, she didn’t have a big say or part in that and she is Uncredited for Snow white, so I think we can all take a Sigh of relief, Overall I think we can all trust her with this Project and she proves that with every Cast and Crew announcement.
Strong choice! I’ve been meaning to watch Atonement so this is the perfect motivation.
Great to have more news!