Greta Gerwig’s Narnia White Witch Casting Shocks Fans with Surprise Barbie Star Twist

The selection of the White Witch in Greta Gerwig’s “The Chronicles of Narnia” follows a predictable pattern yet introduces an intriguing surprise. The classic “Narnia” novels by C.S. Lewis are being transformed into Netflix films, with the premier expected to hit theaters on November 26, 2026 for a brief period before streaming on December 25. Anticipated to be screened on over 1,000 IMAX screens, it marks Netflix’s inaugural wide theatrical distribution.

As of now, Netflix hasn’t officially revealed any cast members for Greta Gerwig’s first Narnia film. There are rumors swirling about Meryl Streep being considered for the part of Aslan, while Daniel Craig might be tapped for a separate role. Earlier reports suggested that pop star Charli XCX was a strong contender to play the malevolent White Witch, who was previously portrayed by Tilda Swinton in Disney’s 2005 version of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. However, it appears a new actor will likely take on the role of the infamous antagonist instead.

The Narnia Remake’s White Witch Casting Continues An Expected Greta Gerwig Trend

She Continues To Work With Actors From Past Projects

Actress Emma Mackey, who rose to fame as Barbie, has been tapped to play the White Witch in Greta Gerwig’s upcoming film adaptation of The Chronicles of Narnia. Notably, Gerwig was both director and writer for the Barbie movie, which turned into a blockbuster success and cultural sensation. This isn’t the first time Gerwig has reunited with her talented collaborators; Saoirse Ronan and Timothée Chalamet starred in her 2017 film Lady Bird and her 2019 adaptation of Little Women, based on Louisa May Alcott’s novel. Thus, Mackey joining the cast marks another instance of Gerwig working with familiar faces.

Before news broke about Mackey’s casting, Gerwig had already been following this pattern by involving Meryl Streep in the Narnia project. Gerwig and Streep previously worked together on Little Women, where Streep played Aunt March. It was an unanticipated choice to have Streep voice Aslan, but when considering her history with Gerwig, it becomes less surprising as she often collaborates with actors she has worked with before.

Greta Gerwig’s White Witch Is Being Played By A Previous Collaborator, But Not Who I Expected

A Different Barbie Actor Seemed More Likely

I wasn’t expecting Mackey, who previously worked with Gerwig, to land the role of the White Witch. Given her significance in the story, I thought a more prominent actress like Margot Robbie or someone equally famous would take on this part. It aligns with the pattern of other announced castings, as both Meryl Streep and Daniel Craig are major stars, so it seemed logical that the White Witch role would also go to an A-list actor.

Although I didn’t anticipate Mackey being chosen as the White Witch, she might prove to be a more intriguing villain. Overpowering stardom can occasionally bring along excessive expectations, as viewers may already have preconceived notions about how an actor will embody a specific character. With Mackey, there is less of a set expectation, making her interpretation of the White Witch more engaging and surprising. Essentially, Mackey stands a chance to give the role a unique twist and make it stand apart from Swinton’s portrayal in the 2005 film.

What Other Greta Gerwig Collaborators We Want To See In Netflix’s Narnia Movies

Saoirse Ronan And Timothée Chalamet Are The Natural Choices

When considering potential collaborators for Netflix’s Narnia films alongside Mackey and Streep, Ronan and Chalamet are the first names that spring to mind. Chalamet would be perfect for the role of Mr. Tumnus, the faun who Lucy Pevensie encounters upon entering Narnia through a wardrobe. His performance in Paul King’s Wonka has shown his ability to bring the right amount of whimsy to play a character like Mr. Tumnus.

In a different scenario, it might have been fitting for Ronan to portray the White Witch. However, that role has been assigned to Mackey. Consequently, Ronan could take on the lesser role of Mrs. Pevensie in the Chronicles of Narnia series instead. Despite being a smaller part compared to her leading roles in Lady Bird and Little Women, an actress of Ronan’s talent could breathe life into a more complex Mrs. Pevensie character. There are also similarities between Mrs. Pevensie and Ronan’s role in the Apple TV+ film Blitz. In any case, it would be delightful to see Ronan and Chalamet in Greta Gerwig’s Chronicles of Narnia films.

2025-04-28 21:00