Greta Gerwig has been confirmed to be directing the first two movies in Netflix’s upcoming reboot ofThe Chronicles of Narniafranchise. However, not much is known about what the director and studio intend to do with the many avenues and opportunities that the project can take advantage of.There have been rumors that the films will take place in chronological orderrather than release order, which would be a significant divergence from the format of the original Disney movies. However, a big change like this could be the element Netflix needs for the project to stand apart.
While nothing is confirmed, Jason Isaacs has hinted thatGerwig’sNarniamovie might be a prequel. This would mean thatthe first installment in the upcomingNarniafranchise would have to adaptThe Magician’s Nephew.The second to last book in the series,The Magician’s Nephew, gives insight into Narnia’s creation and doesn’t follow the Pevensies, who are the protagonists of many of the novels. It’s possible that explaining the history of Narnia first might open the door for exciting narrative choices in later installments, but it also poses some challenges for Gerwig and Netflix.
There’s Only One Plausible Way For Netflix To Make A Magician’s Nephew Movie
There are many more stories that Netflix must adapt after The Magician’s Nephew
When it comes to fantasy movies and TV shows,world-building is a vital part of the stories and is often mishandled by writers and filmmakers.It’s difficult to weave the necessary context and rules of the magic system into the narrative without it feeling like heavy-handed exposition. On the one hand, adaptingThe Magician’s Nephewfirst would solve this problem and give Gerwig, or later directors, the freedom to dedicate themselves to faithfully bringing the story to life. However, this would only work ifThe Magician’s Nephewprequel movie is the first in a complete adaptation of the entire series.
UsingThe Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobeas a standalone movie might work, butThe Magician’s Nephewwouldn’t.
It would be interesting and unique to begin the series a thousand years before the Pevensies arrive in Narnia,but it can’t be the only movie that Netflix makes.EveryChronicles of Narniabookintroduces the audience to a new facet of Narnia. WhileThe Magician’s Nephewis rarely ranked as the best of the series, it’s far from the weakest installment. However, there’s something compelling about every story, and Netflix shouldn’t overlook any of the installments. UsingThe Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobeas a standalone movie might work, butThe Magician’s Nephewwouldn’t.
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
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The Horse and His Boy
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A Chronicles Of Narnia Prequel Doesn’t Make Sense If Netflix Doesn’t Adapt The Rest
Every book in C.S. Lewis' series must be brought to life
It was a shame when the Disney adaptations of C.S. Lewis' seminalchildren’s fantasy books readers still lovewere cut short afterThe Voyage of the Dawn Treader. Seeing Netflix’s project fall victim to the same fate would be a shame, especially considering the success and popularity that other long-running book-to-screen franchises have found. It’s difficult to say if Gerwig and Netflix are committed to the idea of starting with prequels, but if they do, thenthe streamer must be equally committed to bringing the rest to life.Otherwise, the prequel movie won’t make sense and will preventNarnia’s success.
Greta Gerwig’s Narnia Adaptation Is Even More Exciting After Its Intriguing Timeline Tease
Greta Gerwig’s Narnia adaptation is among the most exciting fantasy projects coming down the pike, and its latest timeline tease makes it even better.
There are also questions about whether the first movie will adapt one book or be the start of a two-part adaptation that the second film finishes. Splitting stories into multiple parts has become more popular and common than ever, and it’s true thatThe Magician’s Nephewhas a lot of ground to cover in establishing the lore ofNarnia.No matter what book or format Gerwig and Netflix agree on, it will set a precedent for the remaining movies and be a deciding factor in how many novels are brought to life for the screen.
Netflix Should Commit To Bringing The Entire Narnia Series To Life On-Screen
If Netflix agrees to this in advance it would make every installment better
It’s frustrating that Netflix has only confirmed the first two movies in the series, and audiences are well aware of how quicklyNetflix will cancel TV shows that deserve more seasons. Though the streamer has proven it will funnel money into fantasy universes likeThe WitcherandStranger Things, these have been strong performers for the service. It’s likely that Netflix is waiting to see how the first few movies do with critics and audiences before signing on for more installments. However, only making prequels and never getting to the heart of the franchise would be disappointing.
Greta Gerwig’s Narnia Remake Will Benefit From Embracing A Much-Needed Franchise First
Greta Gerwig is set to reboot The Chronicles of Narnia stories in a TV series made for Netflix, but she could start the story very differently.
Additionally, the pressure to succeed and garner enough interest to justify the rest of the series is too much for any filmmaker, even Gerwig. The quality of the first two films in the franchise could be affected by this uncertainty. If the first movie inThe Chronicles of Narniafilm series isThe Magician’s Nephewand Netflix hasn’t already committed to making every installment, additional time would have to be spent transforming the prequel into a story that would make sense on its own. This could prevent the series from taking off before it even begins.
The Chronicles of Narnia
The Chronicles of Narniais a fantasy franchise based on the seven-book series written by C.S. Lewis between 1950 and 1956. The series is set in the magical world of Narnia, where children from our world are transported to fulfill prophecies, battle evil forces, and restore peace under the guidance of Aslan, a mystical lion. The franchise has seen multiple adaptations, including a BBC television series in the late 1980s, three major Hollywood films between 2005 and 2010, and an upcoming reboot by Netflix, which has generated significant anticipation. The franchise is beloved for its rich allegorical storytelling, blending Christian themes with epic fantasy elements.
