Narnia Movie to Begin Filming?
Door Jam: October 12, 2024
The Door Jam is a place to squeeze in relevant articles written about C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien, their work, adaptations of their fantasy worlds, and other potentially interesting news, information, and articles. Unless otherwise stated, I’m not necessarily endorsing (or criticizing) any of these, but merely sharing them with you.
This week’s top story is a potential confirmation of the start of filming for Greta Gerwig’s Narnia project. Other stories for paid subscribers include fans wanting a previous Narnia cast member to reprise their role, one Lord of the Rings actor saying they're done with Middle-earth, another Lord of the Rings actor saying they modeled their character’s voice after Tolkien himself, Tolkien critiquing communists and fascists, the resurrection of a biblical tree, and some interesting analysis of Gen Z men and the church.
Top Story
We might finally be getting some news on Gerwig’s Narnia adaptations. Several Hollywood news and rumor sites picked up on Production List posting that the project will begin filming in New Zealand on January 31, 2025.
Additionally, another Hollywood reporter says Gerwig is campaigning for a big screen release for her Narnia movies. Narnia Web quotes from the report:
“Gerwig has also been raising concerns with [Netflix’s film head, Dan] Lin about the theater issue, given the scope and grandeur of the material. It’s all been friendly requests so far—demands and screaming isn’t really Gerwig’s style—but she’s clearly bummed about the platform she’s being offered—and not offered. Netflix, which has the rights to all the Narnia books, would very much like to give an A-list director what she wants. But, again, theaters are not their model.”
Netflix doesn’t like releasing their exclusive movies in theaters. They have done so before, however, usually with a limited release in a few theaters for a brief run. Rian Johnson’s Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery earned $15 million with just a one-week window in around 600 theaters.
While I will obviously love having a Narnia movie on Netflix so I can view it multiple times to best analyze it, I would prefer to see it first in a theater. I hope Gerwig gets her wish.
If you’re looking for a brief recap on all that we know about Gerwig’s Narnia adaptation, Country & Town House recently published a good primer.
Not Safe But Good
C.S. Lewis quote of the week
The Life-Force is a sort of tame God. You can switch it on when you want, but it will not bother you. All the thrills of religion and none of the cost. Is the Life-Force the greatest achievement of wishful thinking the world has yet seen?
Tumnus’ bookshelf
A book by or about C.S. Lewis
There’s so much beauty and depth in Lewis’ thoughts working through Psalms. Reflection on the Psalms is an under-appreciated work.
The Lamp Post
Recent articles from me in other places
Pastors Remain Opposed, Americans Grow More Open to Political Endorsements in Church — Lifeway Research
More Behind The Wardrobe Door
Recent pieces
From the archives
Additional Lewis and Tolkien articles and more are below for paid subscribers.
