Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew trailer faces CGI backlash

Netflix has made a bold move by releasing Narnia: The Magician's Nephew in IMAX theaters worldwide for a 50-day window in 2027. The film, written and directed by Greta Gerwig, draws inspiration from C.S. Lewis's Chronicles of Narnia series. At a sneak peek event in New York, Gerwig shared her deep admiration for Lewis's books, which influenced her life.

She mentioned how she would not be who she is without reading these books as a child, going on to love the BBC TV series adaptation. Gerwig immersed herself in Lewis's world by re-reading all the Narnia books, visiting the places he once lived, and even indulging in Turkish Delight. The film's plot revolves around 12-year-old Digory Kirke and his friend Polly Plummer, who travel to another world using a mysterious ring.

However, Gerwig has shifted the timeline to the 1950s, potentially causing complications due to the pivotal role of World War II in later books. The trailer features a stunning rendition of Led Zeppelin's "Stairway to Heaven," which Gerwig secured the rights for after reaching out to the band. A diverse cast, including David McKenna, Beatrice Campbell, Emma Mackey, Carey Mulligan, Ciarán Hinds, Daniel Craig, Meryl Streep, Kobna Holdbrook-Smith, Denise Gough, and Susan Wokoma, brings the story to life.

Gerwig's collaborative approach fostered a creative environment, resulting in an IMAX-worthy Narnia that promises to transport audiences to fantastical realms. The film is set to premiere in IMAX and other theaters on February 12, 2027, with sneak previews beginning on February 10, 2027.