Aslan Is (Finally) on the Move
Door Jam: August 4, 2025
Before we start, I want to invite you to join our fall C.S. Lewis read-along. Earlier this year, paid subscribers finished The Silver Chair. In two weeks, we will start The Horse and His Boy.
Because I want even more of you along for the ride to Narnia and the North, here’s a 25% discount on an annual subscription. Don’t get left behind in Tashbaan. This offer expires soon.
The Door Jam is a place to squeeze in articles about C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien, their work, adaptations of their fantasy worlds, news from other franchises, and interesting articles. Unless otherwise stated, I’m not endorsing (or criticizing) any of these but merely sharing them with you.
After all the rumors and apparent delays, Greta Gerwig’s Narnia adaptation is reportedly set to start filming. But, no, we still don’t know who will be voicing Aslan or playing any of the roles outside of Jadis and Digory’s mom.
According to NarniaWeb and others, Gerwig’s Narnia appears on the verge of the start of filming.
Since then, multiple behind-the-scenes developments have signaled that the project is finally ramping up. We’ve learned that electricians, lighting technicians, and on-set VFX crew began work in the past few weeks, which is a strong indicator that production is entering its final prep stages.
NarniaWeb can also confirm that some filming is scheduled to take place on location in London, England, starting in September.
And despite seeming protestations from theater chains, IMAX and Netflix are set to make Narnia a huge theatrical event. IMAX CEO Rich Gelfond appeared on The Town With Matt Belloni and spoke about Gerwig’s adaptation and their part in its release.
Once it’s unveiled what this looks like, how it’s going to be, I think people are going to line up to be part of it. I think anybody who isn’t a part of it is going to miss out in a significant way.
…
You’re talking about Narnia today … It’s over a year away. Lots of people are talking about Narnia. […] It’s going to create an event and that’s what IMAX does—create events. And it’s not just one movie, as you know, it’s a series.”
Sources:
Not Safe But Good
C.S. Lewis quote of the week
There are only two kinds of people in the end: those who say to God, “Thy will be done,” and those to whom God says, in the end, “Thy will be done.” All that are in Hell, choose it.
Tumnus’ bookshelf
Books by or about Lewis or Tolkien
My preference is and will always be to hold a book in my hands and turn the physical pages. But I do enjoy a few things about ebooks, convenience and the ability to search. Having searchable ebooks of all of Lewis’ letters makes research for articles and our read-alongs much easier.
This collection of biographical works would be a great addition to your digital library if you want to be able to quickly find out about a person or event in Lewis’ life. It comes with all three volumes of his letters, from the first one he wrote as a child to those he wrote shortly before he died, in addition to other autobiographical works like Surprised by Joy and A Grief Observed.
These books have only been on sale four times like this in the past decade.
The C.S. Lewis Collection: Biographical Works (ebook) — $8.99 (-90%)
Other books on sale:
The Weight of Glory (ebook) by C.S. Lewis — $1.99 (-80%), paperback —$8.86 (-48%)
Miracles (ebook) by C.S. Lewis — $1.99 (-87%), paperback — $7.99 (-56%)
Till We Have Faces (ebook) by C.S. Lewis — $1.99 (-85%), paperback — $9.71 (-46%)
The Screwtape Letters (ebook) by C.S. Lewis — $1.99 (-86%), paperback —$9.64 (-46%)
The Silmarillion: Author Illustrated Edition (ebook) by J.R.R. Tolkien — $1.99 (-94%), hardcover — $39.78 (-47%)
The Hobbit: 75th Anniversary Edition (ebook with audio/visual) by J.R.R. Tolkien — $1.99 (-83%), paperback — $10.69 (-44%), hardcover — $12.50 (-58%)
Behind the Wardrobe
Sneak peek at the bonus articles
Below, paid subscribers will see concept art for an abandoned Narnia adaptation by famed Looney Tunes animator Chuck Jones, reflections on Lewis’ work as related to sexual sin, civilizations vs. individuals, and more, an update on Rings of Power, poignant tears over a Middle-earth Lego set, disappointment over a Middle-earth video game, Tolkien and creativity, 11,000 original manuscript pages from Tolkien at Marquette, news on Spider-Man and James Bond, and more.
C.S. Lewis news and articles
HarperCollins Children’s Books Celebrates 75 Years of C. S. Lewis’s ‘The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe’ — License Global
This October will mark the 75th anniversary of the publication of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. This article describes how HarperCollins plans to mark the occasion.
What do you think we should do here? Comment below or send me a note on Substack with any ideas you have for a celebration at The Wardrobe Door.
“Seventy-five years ago, C. S. Lewis created the most memorable fantasy world of our time – the magical land of Narnia,” says Rich Thomas, senior vice president, executive director, publishing, HarperCollins Children’s Books US. “The powerful story in ‘The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe’ of four brave children, an evil witch, and the unforgettable Aslan has become the cornerstone of the fantasy genre and enchanted and inspired millions of readers. We are excited to mark this momentous occasion with an anniversary publishing plan that celebrates the literary legacy of The Chronicles of Narnia as the greatest epic fantasy series of all time and brings new readers through the wardrobe.”
