Gerwig Inspired by Iconic Narnia Scenes?
Door Jam: December 15, 2025
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.
If you’re worried about Greta Gerwig’s Narnia movie, would it calm you some to know that she was looking at images resembling scenes from The Magician’s Nephew during the movie’s early stages of development?
With Netflix not giving us much, and what we have heard causing most readers here to say they are “increasingly worried” about the movie, maybe this will help ease some nerves.
In the background of video interviews Gerwig gave to ShotDeck and Deadline during the Barbie promotional tour in December 2024 and January 2024, a NarniaWeb reader spotted images that were likely part of her Narnia preparation.
Look behind her in these screenshots.
Gerwig described herself as being in the Wood Between the Worlds a month prior, in November 2023, to Variety.
There’s a thing in one of his books called the Wood between the Worlds. That’s where I am. I’m in the Wood between the Worlds. It’s a wood that goes on forever, you can’t see the sky, it’s so dense, you can’t see the end of it. And there are all these pools and at the bottom of each pool is a universe. And anyway… that’s where I am. I’m in the Wood between the Worlds.
Here’s a combined shot of four of the images from NarniaWeb.
The top left looks like a thick forest with a reflective surface underneath, which would be the Wood Between the Worlds.
The bottom left could easily give Tree of Protection or Tree of Youth vibes—the first is the tree Digory plants in Narnia to keep evil away, while the other is in a garden at the top of a mountain with life-giving fruit.
The bottom right could be Jadis’ decaying world with a dying red sun. With dark colors and a red light, it could certainly bring to mind Charn.
The top right is less obvious. It could be a stone outcropping or a building on the top of a hill. Maybe it’s something coming out of the ground meant to evoke the Narnia creation scene.
It might not mean much, but it is worth something that Gerwig likely drew inspiration for her film from images that resemble iconic book scenes.
Not Safe But Good
C.S. Lewis quote of the week
The real way of mending a man’s taste is not to denigrate his present favorites but to teach him how to enjoy something better.
Tumnus’ bookshelf
Books by or about Lewis or Tolkien
I’ve often talked about how much wit and wisdom there is in Lewis’ letters. The same could be said for Tolkien’s. He reveals so much insight into his writing process and his thinking surrounding Middle-earth.
The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien — ebook: $2.99 (81% off), paperback: $13.97, hardcover: $24.93
Other books on sale:
Surprised by Joy: The Shape of My Early Life — ebook: $6.99 (48% off)
The Four Loves — ebook: $8.99 (40% off)
The World’s Last Night and Other Essays — ebook: $5.99 (57% off)
On Writing (and Writers): A Miscellany of Advice and Opinions — ebook: $8.99 (50% off)
The Problem of Printers
Bad but unfortunately real C.S. Lewis book covers
This is actually a real Lewis cover, as in, an actual publisher created this cover. If you’ve read the Ransom Trilogy, however, you know that the books lend themselves to some crazy covers.
Behind the Wardrobe
Sneak peek at the bonus articles
Below, paid subscribers will see articles on:
The first movie in the last big-budget Narnia series turns 20
“Jadis” shares her thoughts on filming the new Narnia movie
Landscapes that inspired Lewis and Tolkien
Tolkien’s desk sells for almost half a million dollars
And more!
