The enchanting Narnia novels by C.S. Lewis are cherished classics in children’s literature, with “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe,” published in 1950, marking the beginning of this captivating fantasy series. Over the subsequent years, Lewis wrote six additional Narnia books, culminating in a seven-book collection. Remarkably, three of these tales have already been transformed into films, appearing in 2005, 2008, and 2010 respectively. In an exciting turn of events announced in July 2023, director Greta Gerwig, famously known for her work on “Barbie,” is set to bring the magical world of Narnia to life once more. Notably, she has a two-film deal with Netflix at present.
In a recent development, it was officially announced that Greta Gerwig’s first Narnia film will be based on the book “The Magician’s Nephew.” This sixth book in the Chronicles of Narnia series, published in 1955, is unique as it will serve as the starting point for the adaptation. This departure from tradition is significant within the fantasy universe.
Greta Gerwig’s Narnia Movies Won’t Begin With The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe
This Goes Against Previous Adaptations
The surprising aspect of the latest Narnia news is that it reveals Gerwig’s series won’t start with The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. Contrary to popular belief, this novel was the first published in the release order of the Narnia series. However, The Magician’s Nephew, a prequel detailing Aslan’s creation of the world and Digory Kirke’s origins, is often seen as the most effective introduction to the realm of Narnia, having been written in 1950.
The other two significant adaptations of Narnia, including Disney’s 2005 film, started their storylines with “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe” because that was the logical starting point in the series. Since Disney only produced three films, they never made it to “The Magician’s Nephew.” Similarly, when the BBC adapted Lewis’ books into a TV series in the late ’80s, they also began with “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.” However, Greta Gerwig’s version will be unique as it breaks this trend by starting somewhere other than “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.
C.S. Lewis Would Actually Agree With The Magician’s Nephew Being First
But Many Scholar’s Feel Differently
Starting with “The Magician’s Nephew” might seem unconventional, but it could be a choice that the novel’s late author, C.S. Lewis, would endorse. According to his own recommendations on his official website, he suggested reading the books in the order they occur in the stories. This approach places “The Magician’s Nephew” at the beginning and then continues with “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe“.
| Ways To Read the Narnia Books | |
|---|---|
| Original Published Order | Chronological Order |
| The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe | The Magician’s Nephew |
| Prince Caspian | The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe |
| The Voyage of the Dawn Treader | The Horse and His Boy |
| The Silver Chair | Prince Caspian |
| The Horse and His Boy | The Voyage of the Dawn Treader |
| The Magician’s Nephew | The Silver Chair |
| The Last Battle | The Last Battle |
This source mentions that there’s much debate over how to approach the Narnia series, as some people believe the sequence in which they were first published is not necessarily the best way to read them. In fact, certain publishers have rearranged these books according to their chronological order, offering readers editions that follow the storyline more logically. However, many scholars still argue for reading the books in their original publication order. Lewis never stated that reading the series in chronological order was superior, but he did suggest it might provide a smoother reading experience.
Gerwig Is Right To Begin With The Magician’s Nephew Over The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe
Even If It Is Risky
Although there’s been debate about the sequence of publication, Gerwig chose wisely by deviating from the longstanding tradition. To be clear, initiating with “The Magician’s Nephew” carries some risks since it’s less recognized and its story might not be as strong compared to other books in the series. Nevertheless, the fact that this tale hasn’t been extensively adapted before makes Gerwig’s Narnia adaptation a significantly unique direction compared to previous adaptations.
The initial film adaptation of Narnia by Gerwig is sticking closer to the original narrative, which could prove beneficial for the series as a whole. Gerwig has consistently expressed her deep affection for the source material, and adopting a chronological approach seems like an effective method to create a faithful portrayal. Also, releasing The Magician’s Nephew first may help generate excitement for The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, providing additional momentum for what will likely be the second installment in Gerwig’s growing franchise.
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2025-05-22 23:26