Greta Gerwig’s Chronicles of Narnia should avoid copying the Disney adaptations by releasing them in a different order. In 2005, Disney released their version of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, spawning a series that lasted three movies, and though they were beloved in their era, none received astounding critical acclaim or monumental cultural success. While other beloved fantasy series from the 2000s, like Harry Potter and The Lord of the Rings trilogy, have had uproars at the thought of reboots, Barbie director Greta Gerwig’s rendition of The Chronicles of Narnia seems incredibly promising.
C.S. Lewis’s novels are some of the most beloved young adult fantasy books ever, and they deserve an adaptation of the same caliber as Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings films. Greta Gerwig is the perfect filmmaker for a Chronicles of Narnia reboot, having displayed prowess with coming-of-age stories, massive, aesthetically pleasing set pieces, and the ability to balance fantastical elements with deeply human narratives. She’s also revealed her dedication to a faithful adaptation of C.S. Lewis’s stories, which should include a particular release order rather than repeating what Disney did with the 2000s series.
Why Greta Gerwig’s Narnia Movies Shouldn’t Start With The Lion, The Witch, And The Wardrobe
Released in 1950, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe is the first novel that C.S. Lewis released in The Chronicles of Narnia series, and due to the movie, it’s arguably the most famous title in pop culture. However, the first novel to be released shouldn’t be the first movie, as it wasn’t the order in which C.S. Lewis intended his books to be read. There’s certainly logic to starting with The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, as it involves the Pevensie characters who are instrumental to many of the saga’s books. Still, there’s a reason C.S. Lewis structured his series a particular way.
The Chronicles of Narnia saga and how C.S. Lewis intended for them to be read is entirely different from how he released them. In a letter to an 11-year-old boy found in The Collected Letters of C.S. Lewis, Volume 3, Lewis declared that the novels should be read chronologically, as he didn’t have a plan to write more novels when he wrote The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. The Disney series went properly by the novel’s release order, but Greta Gerwig’s versions would be better going chronologically for a more faithful adaptation.
Chronicles of Narnia Novels | |
|---|---|
Release Order | Chronological Order |
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe | The Magician’s Nephew |
Prince Caspian | The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe |
The Voyage of the Dawn Treader | The Horse and His Boy |
The Silver Chair | Prince Caspian |
The Horse and His Boy | The Voyage of the Dawn Treader |
The Magician’s Nephew | The Silver Chair |
The Last Battle | The Last Battle |
Greta Gerwig’s Chronicles Of Narnia Movies Should Start With The Magician’s Nephew
When going chronologically, The Magician’s Nephew is the Narnia book to start with, and Greta Gerwig’s saga should begin there, too. The 1955 novel was the sixth to be published in the series and served as a prequel to the series. While a prequel may not seem like the best place to start, it’s fitting for The Chronicles of Narnia, as it establishes the creation of the world by Aslan and offers origins to critical characters like Jadis the White Witch. Importantly, it involves human characters who ultimately set up the wardrobe in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.
For narrative purposes or not, the most vital reason to start with The Magician’s Nephew is that it was C.S. Lewis’s intention. One of the reasons fantasy is still so hard to adapt is that movies and shows are made without an understanding of the artist’s vision. The Chronicles of Narnia is deeply rooted in religious commentary; therefore, beginning with a creation story like The Magician’s Nephew is perfect for streamlining that thematic exploration. Gerwig’s adaptation should absolutely integrate her fabulous style, but The Chronicles of Narnia is C.S. Lewis’s creation, and that takes precedence.
The Full Order Greta Gerwig’s Chronicles Of Narnia Movies Should Happen In
While the Disney versions of The Chronicles of Narnia went in order of release, with Prince Caspian and The Voyage of the Dawn Treader as the second and third movies, Greta Gerwig’s should follow the chronological order strictly. Ultimately, the reading order comes down to personal preference. It’s similar to watching Star Wars, as watching it chronologically and watching it in order of release will have different effects, though in the case of Narnia, it’s already been attempted one way, and this could be another opportunity to differentiate Gerwig’s versions.
- The Magician’s Nephew (1955)
- The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe (1950)
- The Horse and His Boy (1954)
- Prince Caspian (1951)
- The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (1952)
- The Silver Chair (1953)
- The Last Battle (1956)
Why Greta Gerwig’s Chronicles Of Narnia Movies Can Be Better Than Disney’s
With Greta Gerwig directing, Netflix’s Chronicles of Narnia reboot is in good hands. She’s one of the most exciting young filmmakers in Hollywood, and while she may not have experience with CGI-heavy action sequences, the critical aspects of C.S. Lewis’s novels are world-building, thematic exploration, and, most importantly, character development. Movies like Lady Bird and Little Women show Gerwig’s talents in delicately constructing meaningful coming-of-age narratives, and that’s precisely what’s needed. Barbie has also proven she can deliver a compelling commercial hit that can garner critical acclaim.
After an update from Netflix, Greta Gerwig’s Narnia movies sound even more exciting. Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos made an exciting announcement about the early vision of the film, proclaiming Gerwig to be an “incredibly visionary.” He added, in praise of Gerwig’s vision, “It won’t be counter to how the audience may have imagined those worlds, but it will be bigger and bolder than they thought.” Disney’s Chronicles of Narnia films were fun, but they never had the directing talent involved that the Netflix versions will have. Combining auteur artistry with fantasy will distinguish the new versions.
Greta Gerwig herself had exciting thoughts regarding her upcoming adaptation. She described being drawn to the “euphorically dreamlike” aspect of C.S. Lewis’s books, adding that she’s “interested in embracing the paradox of the worlds that Lewis created, because that’s what’s so compelling about them.” Greta Gerwig’s Chronicles of Narnia could offer something fresh and original for the fantasy genre, and though she’s only confirmed to direct two films in the series, she can set the tone for the entire franchise.
Though tackling the franchise in chronological order would be a fresh new take on The Chronicles of Narnia in live-action media, whatever Greta Gerwig comes up with will be incredibly exciting. Just like The Lord of the Rings or Harry Potter or Barbie, film adaptations of C.S. Lewis’s novels have the opportunity to transport an entire new generation of audiences into a beautiful, magical world. It will be delightful to return to Narnia.
