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As reported by Bloomberg, director Greta Gerwig is set to adapt the beloved The Chronicles of Narnia series for Netflix, with a tentative release eyed for December 2026. However, neither Netflix nor Gerwig has confirmed this date, so it remains speculative at this stage.
If the release date holds true, Gerwig’s adaptation may encounter tough competition at the box office from other major productions. Notably, Denis Villeneuve’s third Dune film, based on Frank Herbert’s Dune: Messiah, is also rumored to premiere around the same time. Additionally, Sony Pictures is planning to launch Jumanji 3 on December 11, 2026, which stars Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and other familiar faces from the series.
Both Dune and Jumanji are expected to be released in IMAX, suggesting that the holiday season could be packed with visually stunning cinematic experiences. Furthermore, the animated film Ice Age 6 is scheduled for December 18, 2026, although it may not vie for IMAX screening slots. This new installment will feature returning actors Ray Romano, John Leguizamo, Queen Latifah, Denis Leary, and Simon Pegg, following the franchise’s successful history.
Gerwig’s ‘Narnia’ Is a Big Mystery at the Moment
Details surrounding Gerwig’s adaptation of Narnia remain scarce, especially since it marks the initial film in a two-part series for Netflix. It’s still uncertain whether the films will encompass both of the first two books in the series or if they will provide a dual-part rendition of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, which is the first installment.
Speculation also swirls around potential casting choices. Actress Saoirse Ronan, who has previously collaborated with Gerwig on Lady Bird and Little Women, has been mentioned as a contender due to her interest in the project. When queried about the rumors by Jimmy Fallon, she remarked:
“I mean, there isn’t, like, no truth to it. [Gerwig] hasn’t asked me yet. She’s writing it…” Ronan noted that she has a close relationship with the director, adding, “So I’ll be in this, just so you know. And she takes some time to think about it and then she goes, ‘OK.’ But she honestly hasn’t asked me about ‘Narnia – I think she’s so wrapped up in writing it right now.”
Initially revealed in 2023 that Gerwig would take on the adaptation, the director expressed her apprehension about the project. Speaking on the Total Film podcast (via Entertainment Weekly), she shared, “I haven’t even really started wrapping my arms around it, but I’m properly scared of it, which feels like a good place to start… I think when I’m scared, it’s always a good sign. Maybe when I stop being scared, it’ll be like, ‘Maybe I shouldn’t do that one.’ No, I’m terrified of it. It’s extraordinary. And it’s exciting.”
Fans and observers alike are encouraged to stay tuned for future updates regarding Gerwig’s adaptation of Narnia as more information unfolds.
Source
movieweb.com