Meryl Streep To Voice Aslan In Greta Gerwig's Narnia Prequel

The voice of Aslan is changing hands.

Meryl Streep will take on the role of the mythical lion in Greta Gerwig's upcoming adaptation of C.S. Lewis's "The Magician's Nephew." The film is set to open in theaters on February 12, 2027, before moving to Netflix streaming on April 2 of that year. This marks a distinct shift from the previous trilogy, which established the lion's sound for a generation of audiences through the original voice work.

Liam Neeson, who voiced Aslan in the early 2000s films, spoke with ScreenRant about the new direction. He admitted that the existence of a fresh adaptation had not reached him until the conversation. When asked if he had seen the trailer or had thoughts on the project, Neeson replied, "I'm sorry, this is news to me." His surprise was evident as he processed the information about the new creative team.

Upon learning that Streep had been cast, Neeson responded with immediate approval. He noted the theological implication of the character, who is widely interpreted as an incarnation of Jesus. "Meryl is playing Jesus Christ? Well, if you're going to make Christ a lady, nobody better than Meryl," he said. His tone remained light and supportive throughout the exchange, signaling a clear endorsement of the choice.

Gerwig detailed her reasoning for selecting Streep in comments to Empire magazine. She sought a performer who could balance profound depth with a sense of joy. "I wanted someone who was profound but not pretentious, who had gravitas but not morose self-seriousness," Gerwig explained. She emphasized the need for an actor who could convey pathos while also delivering delight. The director specified that she wanted a performer older than 70, bringing a wisdom of experience while retaining the capacity for fresh wonder.

Gerwig also cited David Bowie as an inspiration for the visual and thematic design of the film. In this version, Aslan features multicolored eyes and a red-striped face. The director described the movie as big and transporting, comparing its overall feel to a rock opera. The project represents a new chapter for the franchise, moving away from the tone of the previous entries to focus on the origins of Narnia.

The production brings together a high-profile creative team for a story that predates the main Narnia timeline. Streep's involvement adds a layer of prestige to the project as it approaches its release date. The film will introduce viewers to the creation of the world and the arrival of the lion in a visual style distinct from the live-action sequences of the past.