From austere beginnings in independent cinema to being one of the favorite directors of the major studios, Greta Gerwig has climbed rapidly in the industry since her debut with Lady Bird, which earned five Oscar nominations among dozens of recognitions; Little Women, her transposition of the famous novel by Louisa May Alcott, won a Hollywood Academy Award; and not to mention the box office success of Barbie. But even in the mainstream, she knew how to maintain her artistic fidelity, imprinting her already recognized feminist stamp. Will the same happen with The Chronicles of Narnia? The question will have an answer in 2024, the year in which production of the new Netflix adaptation will begin.
Everyone knows the book series created by C. S. Lewis for its captivating mythology and Christian allegories, focusing on the adventures of the Pevensie brothers in the magical world of Narnia, where they join forces with the lion Aslan to fight against dark forces. These have been the subject of several adaptations, the most popular of which was distributed by Disney and released in 2005, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. However despite their plans for a fourth film, the rights expired in 2018, allowing the red "N" to take the baton of the saga.
The deal with the CS Lewis Company marked a milestone for the streaming platform, which committed to bringing at least two titles under Gerwig's direction. "I haven't even begun to understand it, but it's very scary, and that feels like a good place to start. I think when I feel fear, it's always a good sign," the filmmaker said in a past conversation with Inside, alluding to the project.
