For decades, fans of C.S. Lewis's beloved Chronicles of Narnia have only dreamed of seeing the world's creation on screen. That dream becomes reality with the first trailer for The Magician's Nephew, the long-awaited prequel that finally tells the story of how Narnia came to be. Directed by Greta Gerwig, fresh off the cultural phenomenon Barbie, this adaptation marks the first time Lewis's origin tale has been brought to life in any visual medium.
The trailer opens in a meticulously recreated 1950s London, a setting that feels almost as fantastical to modern audiences as the magical realm itself. We meet young Digory Kirke (David McKenna) and his friend Polly Plummer (Beatrice Campbell), whose lives are upended when Digory's eccentric uncle, Andrew Ketterley (Daniel Craig), reveals his dangerous experiments. Ketterley, a morally bankrupt scientist, has discovered a way to travel between worlds—and he intends to use the children as his unwitting test subjects.
What follows is a breathtaking journey to a world in its infancy. The trailer showcases the majestic lion Aslan, voiced by Meryl Streep, who stands as the guardian of all he surveys. But darkness looms in the form of Jadis (Emma Mackey), a formidable and dangerous presence who threatens to unravel every world she touches. Together, these characters bear witness to the genesis of one of English literature's most iconic fantasy realms.
Gerwig's involvement has been a major draw, especially after her record-breaking success with Barbie. Her take on Narnia promises a fresh yet reverent approach, blending whimsy with emotional depth. Notably, Netflix—typically known for streaming exclusives—is giving this film a robust theatrical release, a first for the streamer. The Magician's Nephew will hit IMAX theaters worldwide on February 12, 2027, before premiering on Netflix on April 2.
The cast is a who's who of talent, including Carey Mulligan (Never Let Me Go), Kobna Holdbrook-Smith (The Sheep Detectives), Denise Gough (Andor), Susan Wokoma (Enola Holmes), and Ciarán Hinds (Rome). Behind the scenes, Gerwig both writes and directs, with cinematography by Seamus McGarvey (The Avengers) and a score by Oscar winners Mark Ronson (Barbie) and Andrew Wyatt (A Star Is Born).
This adaptation is particularly significant because The Magician's Nephew was the sixth book published in the series (in 1955) but the first chronologically, making it an early example of a prequel. Its screen debut is a special event for longtime fans and newcomers alike. As the trailer teases, the film will explore themes of creation, temptation, and the birth of good versus evil—all set against the backdrop of a world being shaped by a song.
With its blend of nostalgia and innovation, Gerwig's Narnia is poised to be a cinematic event. The trailer alone has sparked excitement, and the promise of a theatrical experience only heightens the anticipation. For those eager to dive deeper into fantasy worlds, you might also enjoy our look at another beloved series making a comeback. And if you're a fan of epic storytelling, check out the latest from Mike Flanagan.
Stay tuned for more updates as the release date approaches. Narnia: The Magician's Nephew is set to enchant audiences in theaters on February 12, 2027, and on Netflix shortly after. This is the origin story fans have been waiting for—and it's finally here.
