Will Netflix really bring us a Narnia Christmas for 2026

A few months ago, we reported on filming for the Greta Gerwin (Barbie) adaptation of CS Lewis’s The Magician’s Nephew. The intention is this may become the first in a Narnia franchise for Netflix. As it’s the Christmas season, and given The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe actually features Santa, what more excuse did we need to look for more news on the film.

What’s the news regarding a Netflix Narnia Christmas next year

On a first pass, we were a little disappointed. It seems little is being said, and even less officially. The best round-up we found was from What’s on Netflix — Netflix’s Narnia Movie Is One Year Away, and Fans Are Split Between Optimism and Concern. It seems little new news has appeared, with casting discussion centred on David McKenna as Digory Kirke, joined by Beatrice Campbell as Polly Plummer. Daniel Craig plays the scheming Uncle Andrew, while Emma Mackey takes on the formidable Queen Jadis. Carey Mulligan appears as Mabel Kirke, and Denise Gough has also been cast in an undisclosed role. Meryl Streep is still down as Aslan.

There is one piece of news suggesting a major change.

Is a major change coming to Narnia

The article linked is clear on the assertion the timeline has shifted from Victorian London to 1955 London. While there are no doubt good reasons, it does somewhat take away in our minds from the foundations of Narnia. That said, the modern audience is living as many decades away from the 1955 as the original novels were from the Victorian age, so perhaps not a huge issue.

Of more concern (as fans) is what this might mean for The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe (TLTWATW). That story is set during World War II, with the children being evacuees. Digory and Polly are now much older, so this would move TLTWATW to a contemporary period of history and a much different type of character visiting Narnia. We’re sure Gerwin has all this under consideration, but more insight into the thinking would be nice.

Overall it seems we have to wait for more definitive updates on the film. We’ll let you know when we see them.