Narnia Fans Freak Out Over Greta Gerwig’s ‘Magicians Nephew’ Trailer: “Lost Its Soul to CGI”

C.S. Lewis' works likely influenced Greta Gerwig's love of magical realms, as she shared her childhood memories of her parents reading them to her. At the trailer preview for Narnia: The Magician's Nephew in New York City, both Stephen Colbert and Gerwig were present, alongside two behind-the-scenes featurettes. The trailer opens with Led Zeppelin's "Stairway To Heaven," and features newcomers David McKenna and Beatrice Campbell playing in Blitz-damaged London.

Uncle Andrew, played by Daniel Craig, hints at his magical abilities, leading the children to discover a yellow ring that causes objects to float. The trailer showcases the lush green "wood between the worlds," the White Witch (Emma Mackey) against the snow, and a baddie in a disco dress against a red glowing set. An enigmatic voice asks, "Have you ever seen a world born?" as Aslan roars the new realm into existence.

Beyond the trailer, the sneak preview showcased the practical sets, the talent involved, and the impressive size of the sets, which extend to both the historical bombed-out London of the 1940s and the fantastical magical realms. Gerwig revealed that she became acquainted with the Netflix team through her husband Noah Baumbach's film A Marriage Story, and when the rights to her beloved children's books were acquired, she discussed the possibility of writing the script with Ted Sarandos.

Gerwig's creative process involved reading and rereading C.S. Lewis' works, writing lines that gave her goosebumps, and even eating Turkish Delights. To use the Led Zeppelin song "Stairway To Heaven" in the trailer, Gerwig had to approach Jimmy Page and Robert Plant for permission, as it is not typically licensed. She explained that the song was chosen because it is "epic, a narrative, and a spiritual journey."

Gerwig also addressed the elements of faith in the story, stating that faith has always been a part of her work, even as far back as her Catholic school days. "Film and faith have always gone hand in hand," she said. Narnia: The Magician's Nephew is set to premiere on February 12, 2027.