Meryl Streep to voice Aslan in Greta Gerwig’s Narnia film

Director Greta Gerwig has confirmed that Meryl Streep will provide the voice for Aslan in the upcoming Netflix adaptation of ‘Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew’. Gerwig, who previously worked with Streep on ‘Little Women’, stated she sought an actor over 70 with a sense of wisdom, authority, and childlike wonder.

The casting has sparked significant debate among fans and religious groups. Because the character of Aslan is often viewed as a Christological figure in C. S. Lewis’s works, some critics have raised theological concerns regarding the decision to cast a female actor for the role.

Gerwig described the film’s creative direction as having a ‘rock opera’ feel, citing David Bowie as an inspiration for Aslan’s visual appearance, which may include heterochromia. The film, which serves as a prequel to ‘The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe’, features Daniel Craig and is scheduled for a theatrical release on February 12, 2027, followed by a Netflix debut on April 2, 2027.