Liam Neeson’s Surprising Reaction to Meryl Streep as Aslan in Greta Gerwig’s New Narnia Movie

A New Era for Narnia: Liam Neeson Reacts to the Unexpected Casting of Aslan

For many fans of The Chronicles of Narnia, the booming, authoritative voice of Liam Neeson is inextricably linked to the majestic lion, Aslan. However, in a recent turn of events, the actor discovered that the franchise is returning—and he’s no longer the voice of the Great Lion.

In an exclusive interview with ScreenRant, Neeson admitted he was completely in the dark about the upcoming Netflix reboot. When informed that Greta Gerwig is directing the new adaptation and that the legendary Meryl Streep has stepped into the role of Aslan, Neeson’s reaction was a mix of surprise and dry wit.

“Meryl is playing Jesus Christ? Well, if you’re going to make Christ a lady, nobody better than Meryl.”

The Vision: Greta Gerwig’s ‘Rock Opera’ Approach

The first installment of this reboot, Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew, is shaping up to be a bold departure from previous iterations. Directed by the powerhouse Greta Gerwig (the mind behind the global phenomenon Barbie), the film is described as a rock opera adaptation.

The recently released trailer has already sent shockwaves through the fandom, featuring a surprising soundtrack choice—the classic “Stairway to Heaven”—hinting at a visually and sonically electric interpretation of C.S. Lewis’ beloved world.

What to Expect from ‘The Magician’s Nephew’

While not the first book published, The Magician’s Nephew serves as the chronological beginning of the Narnia series. The story follows two English children, Polly and Digory, who are lured into another world by Digory’s Uncle Andrew. This journey leads them to accidentally awaken Jadis, the future White Witch, and ultimately witness the very creation of Narnia.

The star-studded cast includes:

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• David McKenna as Digory
• Beatrice Campbell as Polly
• Emma Mackey as Jadis
• Daniel Craig as Uncle Andrew
• Carey Mulligan as Flora
• Meryl Streep as the voice of Aslan

Fan Backlash vs. Creative Freedom

As with any major reboot, the casting of a female voice for Aslan—a character heavily symbolic of Jesus Christ in Lewis’ allegory—has sparked debate among traditionalists. However, the remaining family of C.S. Lewis has expressed their support for Gerwig’s vision.

Former cast member Anna Popplewell, who played Susan Pevensie, shared her excitement, noting that she expects Gerwig to bring a unique and wonderful perspective to the franchise. Given Gerwig’s track record with critical hits like Little Women and Lady Bird, expectations are sky-high for this fresh take on the magical realm.

Mark Your Calendars

Whether you are a lifelong fan of the original books or a newcomer to the wardrobe, this is a cinematic event you won’t want to miss. Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew is scheduled to hit theaters on February 12, 2027.

What do you think about Meryl Streep taking over for Liam Neeson? Is a ‘rock opera’ the right move for Narnia? Let us know in the comments below!