Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew Trailer Reveals Aslan, the White Witch and a Magical New World
Greta Gerwig’s Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew has unveiled its first trailer, offering a look at the magical world of Narnia, the White Witch and Aslan. The fantasy film adapts C.S. Lewis’s novel and marks Gerwig’s first feature film since Barbie (2023).
Set to Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway to Heaven,” the trailer follows two children, Digory and Polly, as they encounter mysterious lands and extraordinary creatures on an adventure that reveals the origins of Narnia.
A Universe Begins. See how Narnia was created in Narnia: The Magician's Nephew, a film by Greta Gerwig - only in theaters February 12. https://t.co/jwxksCL0N7
— Netflix (@netflix) October 13, 2026
Daniel Craig Introduces the Magical Adventure
Daniel Craig plays Andrew Ketterley, the magician whose mysterious powers set the story in motion. In the trailer, he gives Digory and Polly magical rings that transport them between different worlds.
The children encounter fantastical beings, including Fledge, a talking horse that can fly, and Jadis, played by Emma Mackey. Jadis will eventually become the White Witch and the last Queen of Charn.
The footage also offers a glimpse of Aslan, the mythical lion voiced by Meryl Streep. In one of the trailer’s key moments, Aslan sings Narnia into existence, highlighting the film’s emphasis on music and the creation of a new world.
Greta Gerwig Wanted to Adapt Narnia
Gerwig has said that C.S. Lewis’s books have been part of her life for as long as she can remember. She approached Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos about adapting The Magician’s Nephew before making Barbie.
At the time, Gerwig had directed Lady Bird and Little Women. She pitched the idea of beginning Netflix’s Chronicles of Narnia adaptation with the story that explores how the magical world came into being.
The project has since become her next major feature after the success of Barbie.
David McKenna and Beatrice Campbell Lead the Cast
David McKenna plays Digory, while Beatrice Campbell portrays Polly. Gerwig said the filmmakers reviewed thousands of recorded auditions over several months before finding the young actors.
She recalled a screen test in which Campbell sniffled and McKenna gestured to someone off-camera to bring her a tissue. For Gerwig, the small moment showed that the two actors were already looking out for each other.
The cast also includes Daniel Craig, Emma Mackey, Meryl Streep, Carey Mulligan and Ciarán Hinds.
Why ‘Stairway to Heaven’ Features in the Trailer
Music is central to Gerwig’s vision for the film. She has described Narnia as a world made out of music and said she wants the movie to feel like a rock opera.
To secure the use of “Stairway to Heaven,” Gerwig wrote to Led Zeppelin members Robert Plant and Jimmy Page and shared an early version of the film with them.
She explained that the song’s themes of spiritual journeys, false idols and wrong turns suited the story’s introduction to Narnia.
Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew Release Date
The film is scheduled
Source: Variety – Narnia to open in cinemas worldwide on February 12, 2027, before arriving on Netflix on April 2, 2027.
