Meryl Streep Is in Narnia, But Is She Aslan?
Door Jam: April 13, 2026
Oscar-winning actress Meryl Streep is all but officially confirmed for Greta Gerwig’s Narnia adaptation. Her role is still technically a mystery, but I’m fearing the worst.
One year ago this month, several outlets reported that Streep would be voicing Aslan. Nothing was ever confirmed about her involvement, and other casting announcements came and went.
Now, we have multiple comments, including some from Streep herself, that indicate she is involved with Narnia and acted on set.
Emma Mackey, who will be Jadis Queen of Charn, told an Italian publication that in the Narnia movie she will be acting with Daniel Craig, Carey Mulligan, and Streep. Both Craig and Mulligan have been confirmed as Uncle Andrew and Digory’s mother.
NarniaWeb highlighted a quote from an interview Streep did on The Last Show. She said she recorded her brief voice cameo in Project Hail Mary as a favor for Amy Pascal while they both were working on another film in London. Streep also mentions Gerwig later in the interview. That other film in London is most likely Narnia.
In reporting Gerwig signing with a new talent agency, Deadline said that Streep would be the voice of Aslan.
Is it possible that, despite all the rumors and reporting, Streep is portraying someone else in the film with a smaller role, like Jadis’ sister in flashbacks to the battle for Charn? Sure. Is it likely at this point? No.
I won’t repeat all of what I said last year when the rumor first surfaced, but I can’t think of a move more detrimental to the movie’s success than casting a famous actress, even one as talented as Streep, to voice Aslan.
Even in the best-case scenario—Aslan is still male on screen, but with a well-known woman voicing him—the potential negative impact will overwhelm any positives.1 Why alienate the audience who loves the books?
I hope my fears prove unfounded, and we see Streep bring her talents to a different role in Narnia, but I worry this movie is about to be subsumed by unnecessary cultural controversy.
Not Safe But Good
C.S. Lewis quote of the week
The miracles in fact are a retelling in small letters of the very same story which is written across the whole world in letters too large for some of us to see.
“Miracles” in God in the Dock
Tumnus’ bookshelf
Books by or about Lewis or Tolkien
“Cultivated from his many essays, articles, and letters, as well as his classic works, The Reading Life provides guidance and reflections on the love and enjoyment of books.”
The Reading Life (ebook): $1.99 (87% off)
Behind the Wardrobe
Sneak peek at the bonus articles
A few more tidbits from Gerwig about Narnia production, including hugging a child who was sad filming was over
How Lewis’ childhood wardrobe ended up on display at a U.S. college
Exploring Lewis’ perspective on gender
More casting news for The Hunt for Gollum
Live-action Legend of Zelda reportedly filming in Lord of the Rings locations
Rare Tolkien book, one of 15 known copies, up for auction
And more!
