Liam Neeson Backs Meryl Streep for Aslan in 'Narnia,' Unaware of Greta Gerwig's Film
ByJohn Lasseter
Liam Neeson, known for lending his voice to Aslan in the original "Chronicles of Narnia" trilogy, recently shared his views on Meryl Streep's casting as the majestic lion in Greta Gerwig's upcoming "Narnia: The Magician's Nephew." In a surprising revelation, Neeson admitted to being completely unaware of the new film's existence until it was brought to his attention during a media interview.
Neeson Endorses Streep for Aslan, Expresses Surprise at Gerwig's Narnia Reboot
A Surprising Revelation: Neeson Unaware of New Narnia Adaptation
In a recent discussion with ScreenRant, Liam Neeson, the esteemed actor who originally voiced Aslan, the iconic lion in "The Chronicles of Narnia" film series, revealed his complete ignorance regarding Greta Gerwig's forthcoming adaptation. When questioned about the new "Narnia" movie and its trailer, Neeson candidly admitted that this news was entirely new to him, expressing genuine surprise at the project's development.
Meryl Streep as Aslan: A Divine Choice for the Iconic Role
Despite his initial unawareness, Neeson wholeheartedly endorsed the casting of Meryl Streep as Aslan in "Narnia: The Magician's Nephew." Upon learning that Streep would be voicing the character, Neeson remarked, "If you're going to make Christ a lady, nobody better than Meryl," highlighting his profound respect for Streep's acting prowess and her suitability for such a significant role, which has often been interpreted as an incarnation of Jesus.
Gerwig's Vision for Aslan: Profound, Joyful, and Inspired by Bowie
Greta Gerwig, the visionary director behind the new "Narnia" film, shared her deliberate casting choice for Aslan. She sought an actor who could embody depth without pretension, gravity without gloom, and possess both wisdom and a childlike sense of wonder. Gerwig emphasized that Streep's unparalleled talent made her the perfect candidate for this complex character. Furthermore, Gerwig disclosed that David Bowie served as a significant inspiration for Aslan's visual design, envisioning a character with multicolored eyes and a red-striped face, contributing to a "rock opera" aesthetic for the film.
"Narnia: The Magician's Nephew" Set for Theatrical Release and Streaming Debut
The highly anticipated "Narnia: The Magician's Nephew" is slated to debut in theaters on February 12, 2027. Following its theatrical run, the film will become available for streaming on Netflix starting April 2, offering audiences multiple opportunities to experience Gerwig's fresh take on the beloved C.S. Lewis classic.
About the author
John Lasseter
Former chief creative officer of Pixar, whose principles of storytelling have shaped modern animation.
