Carey Mulligan joins cast of Greta Gerwig's Narnia adaptation
The first instalment of the Oscar-nominated director's two-part film series will be released for a two-week run in Imax theatres worldwide next November, before moving to Netflix on Christmas Day, 2026.
Gerwig's film will be based on the sixth novel in Lewis' series, The Magician's Nephew, which is a prequel to the series and features the creation of Narnia by Aslan the lion, one thousand years before the events that take place in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.
The Magician's Nephew follows two children, Digory and Polly, who are subject to the White Witch's fury after their uncle dabbles with magic.
In huge casting news for Gerwig's first directorial project since 2023's record-breaking Barbie, Mulligan will play Digory's critically ill mother, per The Hollywood Reporter.
Mulligan, considered by many the leading English star of her generation, has been nominated for the Best Actress Oscar three times for her performances in Bradley Cooper's Maestro (2023), Emerald Fennell's Promising Young Woman (2020) and Lone Scherfig's An Education (2009).
Casting rumours have been flying about Narnia, with Meryl Streep reportedly in talks to voice Aslan. There's also been speculation that Daniel Craig will play the children's uncle and Barbie and Sex Education star Emma Mackey is set to play Jadis, the White Witch, following rumours that pop star Charli XCX was previously under consideration for the role.
The Independent has contacted Netflix for comment. Published between 1950 to 1956, Lewis' bestselling book series chronicles the adventures of various children who are transported into the fictional world of Narnia.
Three of the seven titles have been adapted for the big screen, including The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2005), Prince Caspian (2008) and The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (2010).
Gerwig became attached to the new project in 2020, the same year her critically acclaimed Little Women adaptation was nominated for several Oscars. Before that, her solo directorial debut, Lady Bird (2017), also earned numerous Oscar nods.
She has since continued to blaze trails in the film industry. In 2023, her Barbie comedy, starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, raked in over $1bn at the box office, making her the highest-grossing female director of all time.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
News24
29 minutes ago
- News24
From Gqeberha to Netflix: Meet SA star Luyanda Lewis-Nyawo breaking out on Wednesday S2
South Africa has another reason to beam with pride on the international entertainment stage. Luyanda Unati Lewis-Nyawo, born and raised in Gqeberha, is currently starring in one of Netflix's biggest shows as the formidable Sheriff Ritchie Santiago in Wednesday Season 2. After studying at Johannesburg's prestigious National School of the Arts — the same institution that nurtured Charlize Theron — they took a detour through film and advertising studies, searching for direction but finding few satisfying answers. The turning point came through community theatre sessions with veteran South African director Dorothy Ann Gould in Westdene. Lewis-Nyawo was later accepted at London's Royal Central School of Speech and Drama for three years. From there, Lewis-Nyawo built their career through British television staples like Top Boy and Doctor Who, plus streaming features including the star-studded Back in Action. Each role was a stepping stone toward their Wednesday breakthrough. Speaking to The Medium about stepping into the shoes of Sheriff Santiago, Lewis-Nyawo reveals the parallels and differences between themselves and their character: 'Santiago is really capable and quick on her feet. In that way, we're similar. We both go after something and commit to it fully, seeing it through to the end.' However, they acknowledge a key difference: 'Santiago has to navigate a male-dominated world and present herself from a position of strength. She doesn't always have the privilege of softness, which is a shame. I, on the other hand, seek that softness out as often as I can.' Jonathan Hession/Netflix The most meaningful review came from home. Speaking to Pink News, Lewis-Nyawo beamed about their mother's reaction: 'My mum is very proud. Her exact words this morning were, 'How was it received by the public? I, for one, was impressed and entertained.' The actor joins Emmy-nominated star Jenna Ortega, who previously told News24 about the pressure of maintaining Wednesday's legacy: 'I don't think anything will be as stressful as the first season, just because I so desperately wanted her to resonate with people.'
Tom's Guide
31 minutes ago
- Tom's Guide
Netflix drops first trailer for new thriller series with Jude Law and Jason Bateman — and it looks like total mayhem
Trailers work best when they give you a taste of the show or movie without spoiling the entire plot. But they become truly effective when they manage to stir emotions in just two minutes of footage. That's exactly the case with 'Black Rabbit,' a limited thriller series starring Jude Law and Jason Bateman as brothers whose lives spiral when mounting debts pull them deep into New York's criminal underworld. From the first Netflix trailer, it already feels like a story packed with tension, stress, and hardly a moment to breathe. The chaotic vibe was perfectly matched by the trailer's soundtrack, (St Vitamin by Dead Dads Club) so good that I immediately had to go play it on Spotify because what a tune. That alone made me even more intrigued, especially after my interest was already sparked by the first-look images back in June. Luckily, the wait isn't long: you can stream all eight episodes of 'Black Rabbit' on Netflix starting September 18. The trailer kicks off with Bateman's character, Vince, battered and bloodied, sprawled on the floor of an elevator and struggling to breathe. The trailer wastes no time setting a very brutal tone, hinting at the kind of chaos that may have landed him in that state. The preview then teases a string of violent and unpredictable moments as two brothers navigate New York City, from armed takeovers in bustling public places and fiery acts of arson to masked heists and sudden bursts of dark humor. One blink-and-you-miss-it shot even shows someone dropping what looks like a bowling ball onto another person's head from the top of a staircase... Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. So yes, it's safe to say this thriller series looks super intense, and I'll definitely be binge-watching it on day one. 'Black Rabbit' is already high on my must-binge list just for the cast alone. Jason Bateman clearly channels the intensity fans loved in 'Ozark,' while Jude Law seems to bring a rough-edged, desperate energy to his New York-accented character. Adding to the mix is Oscar winner Troy Kotsur, and you've got a trio of performances that make this limited series a must-watch come September. Law told Tudum: 'It's a very interesting world. At the heart, I hope [audiences] are hooked by the complicated, loving, volatile relationship of these two brothers.' Bateman added: 'It's really about these brothers who love each other but don't match — one's a screw-up, and the other is much more buttoned up. Everybody can relate to that. Everybody's either got a sibling, or a friendship where you love being with one another, but it's kind of dangerous; where that person usually gets you in trouble, but they're really exciting to be around.' Beyond the star power, 'Black Rabbit' carries a distinct energy that feels like a darker, more cutthroat version of 'Succession' meets the intense, pressure-cooker atmosphere of 'The Bear.' As Netflix describes it, the series is 'a propulsive thrill ride and character examination about the way an unbreakable bond between two brothers can shatter their world and everything in its orbit.' The full synopsis reads: 'Set against the backdrop of New York City's high-pressure nightlife scene, Black Rabbit centers on two brothers who are pushed to the brink by their duty to family and their pursuit of success. Jake Friedken (Jude Law) is the charismatic owner of Black Rabbit, a restaurant and VIP lounge, poised to become the hottest spot in New York. But when his brother, Vince (Jason Bateman), returns to the business unexpectedly, trouble soon follows; opening the door to old traumas and new dangers that threaten to bring down everything they've built.' While both have impressive careers filled with standout roles, 'Black Rabbit' is the first time Bateman and Law are sharing the screen. And from the first trailer, it's clear this is a duo we didn't know we needed. In the meantime, I'm going to play St Vitamin by Dead Dads Club on repeat until this series drops, because this song is pure chaos in the best way. 'Black Rabbit' opens on Netflix on September 18, and I'm pulling up a seat at the table for what's shaping up to be a deliciously messy thrill ride. Follow Tom's Guide on Google News to get our up-to-date news, how-tos, and reviews in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button.
Tom's Guide
31 minutes ago
- Tom's Guide
HBO Max shares first look at new drama series from the creator of Netflix's 'Baby Reindeer' — here's what we know so far
After bringing us one of the most talked-about Netflix shows of 2024, "Baby Reindeer" creator Richard Gadd is returning to our screens (and a new streaming service) in 2026 with his new drama, "Half Man". The six-part series — which was previously titled "Lions" — is a co-production between HBO Max and the BBC, and, over a year after HBO joined the project, the two broadcasters have shared some first-look images from the new show. The series revolves around a pair of "brothers", Niall (Jamie Bell) and Ruben (Gadd), and their tumultuous relationship. This first collection of "Half Man" stills features three first-look images and can be seen throughout this article. Two feature the two stars on set, while a third (above) teases what looks to be a tense conversation between Niall and Ruben in a diner. Unfortunately, we do not have a firm "Half Man" release date just yet. All we know is the series is due to air on HBO Max in the US, Latin America, and Europe, and on BBC iPlayer, BBC One, and BBC Scotland in the UK. Hopefully, one will arrive soon, though. Per a BBC press release, we know that these photos were released shortly after filming for "Half Man" wrapped in and around Glasgow, Scotland. With that in mind, it seems possible we won't have to wait too much longer for the show to arrive. And with the logline promising plenty of drama and an "explosion of violence," it sure sounds like "Half Man" will be a show you won't want to miss. The full synopsis for "Half Man" reads: "'Half Man' follows estranged 'brothers' Niall (Jamie Bell) and Ruben (Richard Gadd). When Niall's estranged 'brother' Ruben shows up at his wedding, it leads to an explosion of violence that catapults us back through their lives. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. "Spanning almost 40 years from the 1980s to the present day, Mitchell Robertson and Stuart Campbell portray Niall (Robertson) and Ruben (Campbell) in their younger years, in a series that explores the highs and lows of Ruben and Niall's relationship, from meeting them as troubled teenagers to witnessing their falling out as adults - with all the good, bad, terrible, funny, angry and challenging moments along the way. "The series will capture the wild energy of a changing city - a changing world, even - and plumb the depths of what it means to be a man." In addition to Gadd, Bell, Campbell and Robertson, the "Half Man" cast will also include Neve McIntosh, Marianne McIvor, Charlie De Melo, Bilal Hasna, Julie Cullen, Amy Manson, Philippine Velge, Stuart McQuarrie, Piers Ewart, Scot Greenan, Charlotte Blackwood, and Calum Manchip. Like "Baby Reindeer," the series is created, written, and executive produced by Richard Gadd, and directed by Alexandra Brodski and Eshref Reybrouck. We'll be keeping an eye out for more info about "Half Man" from now on, so keep checking back for any updates. And if you're looking for something new to watch while you wait for "Half Man" to arrive, check out our round-up of the shows like "Baby Reindeer" or our list of the best HBO Max shows for plenty more top suggestions to keep you entertained into 2026. Follow Tom's Guide on Google News to get our up-to-date news, how-tos, and reviews in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button.
