Greta Gerwig channels Bowie in psychedelic The Magician's Nephew trailer

Greta Gerwig, the director of 2023's blockbuster Barbie, has turned her attention to a different kind of fantasy with Netflix's The Magician's Nephew. This adaptation of C.S. Lewis's sixth novel in The Chronicles of Narnia series is set to be a far cry from the musical escapades of her previous work.

Inspired by the countercultural aesthetic of the 1960s David Bowie, Gerwig's vision for The Magician's Nephew is anything but conventional. The trailer, released on Netflix, is a kaleidoscopic journey that deviates sharply from the expected. It's a bold choice for the streaming giant, given the commercial success of Barbie's box office run.

In the original Narnia series, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe was published in 1950, setting the stage for a world that Lewis didn't initially plan to revisit. The concept for The Magician's Nephew emerged when an acquaintance posed the question about the lamppost's mysterious appearance in Narnia, sparking Lewis's creative curiosity. He began crafting a prequel, completing it in 1955 after penning four other Narnia books.

Several adaptations of The Chronicles of Narnia have graced various media over the years, with the early 2000s film franchise focusing on the first three novels. However, diminishing returns led to the expiration of film rights by 2011. Initial plans to adapt the fourth novel, The Silver Chair, were also discussed.

With the release of the trailer, set to the iconic sound of Stairway to Heaven, Netflix is teasing a wild and psychedelic ride for viewers. Gerwig's unique take on the beloved series promises to be a memorable addition to the Narnia legacy.