Rumor: Greta Gerwig to Direct Two Narnia Movies for Netflix?
What’s on Netflix is reporting that Netflix is eyeing director/writer/actress Greta Gerwig to direct two Chronicles of Narnia movie adaptations. Read the full story.
Gerwig has twice been nominated for the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay (Little Women, Lady Bird). In 2018, she was included in Time Magazine’s annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world.
Gerwig is currently busy directing Barbie, starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, which hits theaters next July. She also wrote the screenplay for Disney’s upcoming live-action Snow White movie, scheduled for release March 2024.
Direction and screenplay:
- Little Women (2019)
- Lady Bird (2017)
- Nights and Weekends (2008)
Screenplay credits:
- Mistress America (2016)
- Frances Ha (2012)
- Northern Comfort (2010)
Gerwig also has numerous acting credits.
There has been no official comment from Netflix about this story. NarniaWeb will continue investigating. Thanks Bartek for the alert!
Here is all the info about Netflix’s Narnia movies.
Okay, mixed feelings on this (if accurate).
1. She is a talented director and has made some very good films. Any Narnia adaptations she does should be high quality, and done with care. Additionally, this may bring some bigger actors onto the project, as she seems to be someone people want to work with.
2. It appears that the upcoming Snow White and Barbie (like Little Women before it), will make changes to “update for modern (progressive) audiences”. I wouldn’t expect any Narnia adaptations she produces to be exceptionally faithful ones.
Thanks for the warning… I’m excited that some news has finally surfaced, but I guess expectation management is still important right now.
I’m interested in the 2024 Snow White, not so much because of Greta Gerwig but because of Rachel Zegler. She was so great as the lead in West Side Story that she made me wish I could see her play an ingenue who gets a happy ending. Of course, there’s not necessarily a reason to believe the 2024 version of Snow White will be an ingenue or that the movie will be particularly good, but, hey, I can always hope.
I’m inclined to disbelieve this rumor. I just don’t think Narnia sounds like something Gerwig would be interested in. (Then again, I didn’t think Snow White was something she’d be interested in.) It just seems so different from her modus operandi. But it doesn’t sound like she’s desperate for cash at this point in her career.
Very very bad
This would definitely be a big statement hiring from Netflix if true. To land a director with such a stellar reputation would instantly lend the project a huge degree of gravitas at a time when a lot of Netflix’s other outputs are veering towards the cheaper and lower quality end of the spectrum.
Greta Gerwig though is clearly also a director with a strong independent voice in her filmmaking. Her adaptation of Little Women is phenomenal, precisely because her directorial voice resonates through the source material so strongly. She’s definitely not a director who’s just going to blend into the background and make an anonymous adaptation (if indeed this information is taken to be credible)
That’s true of her adaptation of Little Women. But that was because her personal style and the material were complementary. What makes you think her specific style would fit Narnia at all? I think it most likely she’d either completely remake the stories in her own image or do just what you said she wouldn’t do and make a blandly workmanlike adaptation. Neither prospect sounds good to me.
Well I think I actually agree with you there – my two points above were intended as counterpoints to one another. i.e. the pro is that she’s a great director, the con is that she’s got a very definitive directorial voice which could over power the source material.
Not really sure what to make of it overall, other than it would be an incredibly bold choice if true.
VERY interesting…
If this is true, I just hope she doesn’t ruin Narnia. I can’t expect her to direct a perfect movie, because no company is perfect (which I think we can all agree on). She should at least show respect for the books and not take the plot too far, even if changes are going have to be made.
On the one hand I’m rejoicing that we have ANY kind of news, I’ll take any little scrap or rumor. I feel like I’m hallucinating seeing something new at all LOL. On the other, seeing her credits isn’t encouraging. I haven’t seen Little Women but I’ve heard great things about it, but then you have Barbie and Snow White which don’t fill me with a bunch of hope considering the things I’ve heard about them in regard to modernization and “progressive” changes. If she truly is tapped to direct then I hope it’s because she made a good pitch that will honor the source material and that Douglas Gresham will be on board with it. I don’t expect a perfect adaptation but I still hope for a they-really-did-try-to-make-this-the-best-they-could adaptation rather than a they-modernized-it-and-stripped-it-of-its-heart-to-make-it-marketable-to-current-tastes adaptation.
Andrew Adamson
Michael Apted
Joe Johnston
And now Greta Gerwig?
Definitely not who you’d think they’d hire based on directors of the past. Which that in of itself, excites me. We needed something else. This could be that!
I hope she loves the source material. Two films is quite a commitment so I hope she has a vision for the stories!
Care to expand? I think she’s a fantastic director. Could be good for Narnia to have a talent like this.
Those directors were all hired by different people. Andrew Adamson and Michael Apted were hired by Walden Media. Joe Johnston was hired by the Mark Gordon Company. (Are they still working with Netflix?) If Gerwig is hired, it will be by Netflix.
I think some fans keep thinking all the Narnia adaptations made by different companies as part of one cohesive series when they were really never going to be that.
Yes, I’m aware. I think the hiring speaks to the type of production it will be though.
All those previous names were relative unknowns or simply studio hires. Greta is 100% not that.
Netflix is doing a complete separate group of adaptations. I’m assuming LWW will be one of the two she’s directs!
Would you’d like to put some money on that? I think it’ll happen!
This is interesting. I hope she is hired, because honestly I’ll go with anything at this point. The hint that it wouldn’t be publication order is heartening, because I think MN is the best one to start with. And if she’s hired, whatever they do will be done with care. (Note I haven’t watched anything of what she’s done.) If we get something even vaguely like the books, I’ll be happy. Come on, I even liked the Dawn Treader film!
And it desperately needs good music – especially MN. That’s quite possibly the most important part of nailing that one, I reckon, even more so than the visuals. A big name could draw a big name or good composer (even though it’s defs not gonna happen, I would love to see Alma Deutscher compose for that as a film).
Sorry I’ll post a thought-out comment later…but….NEWS???
Wow, this is a really surprising choice if true! I’ve found the Greta Gerwig films I have watched to be very bold and unique, so I’d be intrigued to see what she does with Narnia. Echoing what’s already been said, I hope that the films remain faithful to the source material, while still being fresh takes on the world that Lewis built.
I wonder if this means that Netflix Narnia is going for a slightly different target audience than previously speculated; Greta Gerwig’s past films seemed more skewed to mature audiences, maybe they’re trying to reach that demographic?
I could definitely believe Netflix would be interested in getting someone like Gerwig, and she would certainly be an interesting choice to say the least. However, I’d be more then a little skeptical of that actually happening. She doesn’t necessarily strike me as a filmmaker who would want to commit to doing multiple franchise type movies. But, I guess we’ll just have to wait and see.
I think Gerwig is an inspired choice and (depending on a decent script) will direct quieter and dialogue-heavy moments with ease and skill, and juxtapose those moments with the more ‘epic’ and bombastic moments. Narnia is ‘epic’, but at the same time it is filled with so many beautiful and small moments that deserve more time and exploration of character.
Just start with MN… that will be fresh and create an immediate distinction and break from the last attempts.
MN and LWW has Polly, Lucy, Susan and Jadis as great female characters that are always equals to their male counterparts.
Barbie looks pretty faithful to the source material!
As long as they start with MN…
I’m not totally sure what you want to bet on. (Whether Gerwig needs to take jobs just to pay the bills? Whether the Snow White movie will be good or bad?) If you’re wondering why I don’t think Gerwig would be interested in doing Narnia adaptations, I really think it’s on you to explain why she would be. Has she said anything in interviews to make you believe she’s a fan of the Narnia books? Is there anything about any of her movies that leads you to believe she’d want to direct an adaptation of them? If it’s so likely to happen, why are neither Netflix nor Gerwig making statements about it? The most likely scenario is that Netflix asked Gerwig, she declined and neither one wants to talk about it because it might be embarrassing.
This is still a 4 quadrant film meaning they’re trying to appeal to the widest audience possible. But it’s definitely possible that it will feel more mature than previous movies.
Ditto to your first comment! Feels good to have an actual rumor/news item!
Greta Gerwig is a darling of film-Twitter. She’s well respected and a bold choice.
Outside of NarniaWeb, this has been received quite positively and has increased the level of credibility/intrigue for a project & franchise that has had the reputation of “they’re still trying to make those into movies?”
Looking forward to seeing what comes of this rumour…
Great thoughts! I think that’s my biggest takeaway as well. She’s an incredibly bold choice! Now we just need an hour long interview to hear her experiences reading Narnia!
I believe for Chris her talent as a director isn’t in question. I’m thinking he is more worried about the direction she may take the franchise. And I must agree.
I will not celebrate an announcement unless someone, whether it’s the director hired for the project, Netflix, a producer, anyone associated with the Narnia franchise, comes out and reassures audiences that the source material will be faithfully respected and not drastically altered and all elements of faith remain intact. Also, it is vitally important to me to not see this franchise “go woke” (I hate the phrase), That means, for example, not changing the race or gender of any of the cast, especially the children, in some ridiculous unnecessary attempt at “diversity”. People love these books for a reason. Don’t change them.
I’m wondering if we should be preparing ourselves for the very distinct possibility of black Pevensies. And before anyone jumps to some absurd conclusion, I have no problem with black characters, I have a problem with changing the race of existing characters to fit an agenda. I just have this sinking feeling “woke” is going to be their driving force and not faithfully adapting the books. I’m not optimistic about anything Netflix produces.
BBC changed Trufflehunter to a female.
Walden had black centaurs.
Neither of those changes were inherently bad or ruined the adaptation. I actually thought they worked for those films (especially the centaurs!). I don’t love the books because Jill & Eustace are white or because Reepicheep is a male rat.
Of course, it would be very annoying if Netflix changes all details from the books, seemingly just to change the details. But if the series honours the book’s feeling & themes then ultimately, it can still be a great adaptation.
Changes are often needed to turn books into movies. If you expect changes then maybe you’ll enjoy the movies for what they are. Hopefully they’ll honour the books!
PS: If you hate the phrase, then I’d recommend not using the phrase 😉
The actor who played Glenstorm (in the movie) was really great.
I absolutely adore Lady Bird and her adaptation of Little Women. She managed to portray the struggles of growing up, feeling like you don’t belong, and so much more in those films. Watching Lady Bird felt like coming home. She has a talent for filming emotionally charged stories with such quiet vulnerability and intimacy.
If she really does get a chance to work on Narnia, I hope she’s able to bring those qualities to the films. After all, growing up is a great part of Narnia.
Could you give an example of how “growing up is a great part of Narnia?” There are characters who are mentioned as growing up, but it’s only described in epilogues. It’s not really part of the main plot.
Don’t you think that the process the Pevensies go through in LWW, Eustace in VDT, Polly and Digory in MN, just all the kids in the books, is growing up? Learning from your mistakes, admitting you are not always right, learning to be brave, not to be selfish… All that is an important part of growing up. Maturing is not something that happens overnight.
I just thought I’d point out that all the actors in the posters for her movies in this article are white.
I’ve only seen Little Women, and while yes, she made the movie “more progressive” than the books are, she stuck mostly to the storyline. Also, she was able to tell a very well-known story in a more-or-less faithful, but still new way. That makes me expect that she wouldn’t be too influenced by the previous Narnia adaptions (might be both good and bad, admittedly).
I’m also a bit confused by the fact that the genre doesn’t seem to be “her thing”. However, Little Women and Narnia have in common that they are both “classics”, and I hope she’ll respect that when adapting Narnia (should this indeed be more than a rumour).
Anyway, while her adaption of Narnia might turn out really bad, it could as well be surprisingly good (I was positively surprised by Little Women).
I agree.
I’m actually really excited for a progressive adaptation of Narnia. It’s about time.
Her adaptation of Little Women was the best ever imo. I’m excited if it is true.
Why is “progressive” bad? I’m excited. The more progressive the better as far as I’m concerned.
Oooooh i CANT wait to hear the soundtrack
I really like this take. I’m excited too!
Yeah maybe if you hate the phrase “woke” don’t use it. There’s nothing wrong with casting people of color or women in Narnia. Aslan is for everybody.
I’d like to point out that black people playing the Pevensies sounds awesome.
Homosexuality is awesome! Maybe don’t be homophobic and hateful in a comment section celebrating a purely loving book series?
You kind of get into a pickle though when you consider how in “The Horse and His Boy” it is mentioned that there is a skin color difference between the regions of Narnia and the land of Calormen.
From Chapter One; How Shasta Set out on his travels: “[The Taarkan speaking] ” Do not load your aged mouth with falsehoods. This boy [Shasta] is manifestly no son of yours, for your cheek is as black as mine but the boy is fair and white like the accursed but beautiful barbarians who inhabit the remote North [Narnia]”
However I do grant you that Shasta [Cor] did wind up marrying the reformed Tarkeena; Aravis. So there could be a wide range of skin tones in the North, at least in Arkenland, before the events that occur in Prince Caspian, but after the Pevensie children enter Narnia and defeat the white witch.
I may need to do more research, but I will say that having dark skinned actors playing human Narnian roles (as long as they haven’t been described in the books as a specific skin tone) would be alright with me as long as they appear after the events of The Horse and His boy.
I can say that right now, I don’t mind the skin tones of centaurs, fauns, or other hybrid animals because the fact that they are these mythical creatures is tied to the country of Narnia.
Don’t you know that Narnia is representation of Jesus Christ and Christian morals?
Homosexuality goes against the teaching of God, Jesus Christ and Paul.
You kind of get into a pickle though when you consider how in “The Horse and His Boy” it is mentioned that there is a skin color difference between the regions of Narnia and the land of Calormen.
From Chapter One; How Shasta Set out on his travels: “[The Taarkan speaking] ” Do not load your aged mouth with falsehoods. This boy [Shasta] is manifestly no son of yours, for your cheek is as black as mine but the boy is fair and white like the accursed but beautiful barbarians who inhabit the remote North [Narnia]”
However I do grant you that Shasta [Cor] did wind up marrying the reformed Tarkeena; Aravis. So there could be a wide range of skin tones in the North, at least in Arkenland, before the events that occur in Prince Caspian, but after the Pevensie children enter Narnia and defeat the white witch.
I may need to do more research, but I will say that having dark skinned actors playing human Narnian roles (as long as they haven’t been described in the books as a specific skin tone) would be alright with me as long as they appear after the events of The Horse and His boy.
Technically speaking all humans are actually different shades of brown ranging from pale to dark (according to research done by Ken Ham).
I can say that right now, I don’t mind the skin tones of centaurs, fauns, or other hybrid animals because the fact that they are these mythical creatures is tied to the country of Narnia itself.
Different tastes. IMO progressive messaging these days is often regressive in its own way instead, and I like things to stick to the spirit of the source material rather than incorporating contemporary political views. Narnia in particular is just about the very last thing I can think of that I’d want to see those kind of changes made to. Personal preference is all.
I think it’s about time for you to go bother a different fandom. Narnia was not built for modern, pagan “sensitive” beliefs, and her fans wish to have her as she is, not how you’d like her to be. In short, it’s not gonna change for you. Disappointment is all you & your kin will find spouting that stuff here.
Personally, I’m feeling negative about this rumor. I hope it’s not true. I would rather have no more Narnia adaptations than yet another lousy one, or (god forbid) a heathen one.
Narnia always deserved a true, great adaptation from creators who were not only creative & talented in the crafts, but also genuinely respected the material, and loved Narnia for what it was. But so far, all adaptations (on-screen) have been lacking, even the best of them.
Also, there’s no real reason to start a Narnia series THIS late after scooping up the rights, except to make up for lost financial ground.
Apologies for my bitter attitude, but I am done being excited for another Narnia adaptation, while I grow less young every year. Given the state of the world, and the people in charge of motion pictures & television shows, it would take a miracle to make ONE great Narnia adaptation, let alone all seven of them.
Again, apologies for my attitude. But we still have the books. And Lewis.