C. S. Lewis family concerned over Meryl Streep casting in Narnia film

The family of author C. S. Lewis is reportedly expressing significant concern regarding the casting of Meryl Streep to voice Aslan in the upcoming film adaptation, ‘Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew’. Director Greta Gerwig confirmed the choice, stating she sought an actor with profound wisdom, experience, and a sense of wonder.

Ted Baehr, founder of Movieguide and a contact for the Lewis family, indicated that the family is “very upset” and fears the decision could “destroy the brand”. Baehr highlighted theological concerns, noting that Aslan is intended to be a Christ figure and is consistently described as male in the original literature. He suggested the family may be attempting to regain control of The C. S. Lewis Company, which manages the author's rights.

Gerwig has defended the creative direction, describing the adaptation as having a “rock opera” feel and noting that the character's design was partially inspired by David Bowie. The film is scheduled for theatrical release on February 12, 2027, followed by a streaming release on Netflix on April 2.