Meryl Streep’s Aslan casting sparks Narnia backlash

Greta Gerwig’s upcoming fantasy film Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew has sparked controversy after Meryl Streep was cast as the voice of Aslan.

The casting has drawn criticism from some conservative Christian commentators, who have questioned the decision to have a woman voice the character. Aslan is traditionally portrayed as male in C.S. Lewis’ The Chronicles of Narnia and is widely interpreted as a symbolic representation of Jesus Christ.

Critics argue that the casting could represent a departure from the religious symbolism associated with the character. However, Streep’s casting does not necessarily mean that Aslan will be portrayed as female in the film.

The controversy has gained attention online, with some critics accusing the production of altering an important Christian symbol. Promotional material has also generated discussion because of visual changes to Aslan, including differently coloured features.

Gerwig has not directly addressed the criticism surrounding the character’s gender. Instead, the filmmaker has explained why she wanted Streep for the role.

According to Gerwig, she was looking for an actor who could bring wisdom, depth and authority to Aslan while also maintaining a sense of wonder. She described Streep as an exceptional performer capable of balancing gravitas with warmth and childlike curiosity.

The upcoming film is also expected to take several creative liberties with Lewis’ original story. The Magician’s Nephew, first published in 1955, is being adapted with its setting shifted to the 1950s.

Gerwig has also described the movie as having a rock-opera-inspired quality. Music is expected to play an important role in shaping the film’s interpretation of Narnia.

The visual style has reportedly drawn inspiration from musician David Bowie. Aslan has been presented with distinctive visual features, including different-coloured eyes and a prominent red stripe across his face.

Some C.S. Lewis scholars and longtime fans have urged audiences to wait before reaching conclusions about the adaptation. Lewis scholar Kat Coffin noted that a woman providing the voice for a male character is not necessarily the same as changing the character’s gender or meaning.

The family of Lewis’ late wife, Joy Davidman Gresham, has also expressed support for Gerwig’s adaptation. The family praised the filmmaker’s enthusiasm for Lewis’ work and welcomed her involvement with the project.

The C.S. Lewis Company has similarly voiced appreciation for Gerwig’s approach and her engagement with the world created by the author.

Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew is scheduled to hit cinemas on February 12, 2027. The film is then expected to arrive on Netflix on April 2, giving audiences an opportunity to see Gerwig’s new interpretation of the beloved fantasy universe.