Meryl Streep’s 'Narnia' casting sparks backlash over Greta Gerwig’s Aslan

The casting does not necessarily mean that Gerwig’s version of Aslan will be portrayed as female. However, the decision has already prompted criticism online, particularly from conservative Christian commentators who have accused the production of changing or undermining the character’s religious significance.

Seth Udinsky of the Christian Post argued that the casting was part of an attempt to undermine Christian symbols, while other critics have pointed to promotional imagery showing Aslan with rainbow-tinted whiskers. Gerwig has not directly addressed the gender controversy.

Instead, the director has explained that Streep was chosen because she possessed the qualities she wanted for Aslan. “I wanted someone who was profound but not pretentious, who had gravitas but not morose self-seriousness,” Gerwig said.

She also wanted an actor over 70 who could convey both wisdom and a sense of childlike wonder, describing Streep as “one of the greatest actors to ever do it”. Gerwig is also taking other creative liberties with The Magician’s Nephew.

The story, which was originally published in 1955, is being moved from its early 20th-century setting to the 1950s. The filmmaker has also described the film as having a rock-opera sensibility. David Bowie is reportedly another influence on the film’s visual approach.

Aslan has been shown with different-coloured eyes and a bold red stripe across his face, with Gerwig telling Empire that she wanted the film to draw on the idea of Narnia as a world created through music. The controversy has also prompted some C.S.

Lewis scholars and fans to urge audiences to wait before judging the film. Kat Coffin, a Lewis scholar, questioned the casting but said there was a difference between a woman voicing a male character and actually changing the character’s gender.

The family of Lewis’ late wife, Joy Davidman Gresham, has also expressed support for Gerwig’s production. In a statement provided by Netflix, the family praised the filmmaker’s passion for Lewis’ work and said they were pleased to be working with her and the production team.

The C.S. Lewis Company similarly said it was moved by how deeply Gerwig had embraced Lewis’ world. Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew is scheduled to arrive in cinemas on February 12, 2027, before its Netflix release on April 2.