Greta Gerwig Built a Stairway to Narnia

There’s a message on the poster for the upcoming Netflix-produced film Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew: “A universe begins.” This has a dual meaning. It’s literal, for one. C.S. Lewis’s The Magician’s Nephew is the origin story of his iconic mythical land and includes the lion Aslan (here voiced by Meryl Streep) singing the universe into existence. But there’s also another, franchise-focused idea embedded in the tagline: Welcome to Greta Gerwig’s Narnia Cinematic Universe! Also known as Netflix’s first aim at a theatrical film franchise. Ted Sarandos really hopes you’ll like it!

The trailer for The Magician’s Nephew premiered in front of a full Imax theater in the AMC at Lincoln Square, revealing a first look at Gerwig’s bombastic, epic spectacle. The trailer opens on the somber, grayscale world of London before entering the wild, psychedelic, and magical world of Narnia. Set to Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway to Heaven,” the second half of the trailer is an explosion of color and imagery. Emma Mackey’s White Witch opens her eyes, flies in metallic couture, brandishes a sword, and rides wildly through London on a horse while the ’70s rock blares in the background. Following the trailer debut, Gerwig told Stephen Colbert during a Q&A that she acquired the rights to the song by reaching out directly to Led Zeppelin’s Jimmy Page and Robert Plant, as they rarely license “Stairway.” She said they agreed partially because they’re fans of Lewis.

At the center of all the excitement in the film are two children, Diggory and Polly, played by newcomers David McKenna and Beatrice Campbell. Gerwig said the duo won the roles after McKenna noticed Campbell needed a tissue during a screen test and asked the crew for one for her. Diggory and Polly are transported to Narnia from London after accidentally misusing magic rings owned by Diggory’s Uncle Andrew, played by Daniel Craig. Craig, in yet another quirky-fun post-Bond role, has a twinkle in his eye talking to the kids, telling them that yes, “I am a magician.” 

The film will come out in theaters and Imax on February 12. However, you can’t visit Gerwig’s new world on Netflix until April 2, making it Netflix’s first wide theatrical release. Enter through the wardrobe!