Netflix’s Narnia Gets Loud (and Stays Quiet)
Door Jam: September 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.
While Jadis (at least her stunt double) continues to terrorize British streets and IMAX prepares for a major publicity campaign for Narnia, Netflix and Greta Gerwig are staying quiet about the adaptation.
Hollywood scoopers and random British residents have been able to see much of the on-location filming for Gerwig’s Narnia adaptation. Last week, Jadis was galloping down back alleys. This week, we have photos and video of her crashing a parade in London.
What’s on Netflix has a dozen or so new photos from UnBoxPHD that show Jadis on horseback, the aftermath of her rides, and the onlookers watching the scene.
Filming took place in the heart of London, including around the Robert Clive statue in Whitehall and through to Westminster, we’re told. There were over 100 extras used throughout the filming sections, and even some four-legged canine friends joined in the action. Some of the action involved the police on their bicycles crashing into a Royal Marines band service.
Meanwhile, Narnia Web has video of Jadis interrupting a royal parade.
A local newspaper billboard carried the headline “London Prepares for Royal Celebration” with the period security barriers all emblazoned with the cypher of Queen Elizabeth II, who ascended to the throne in 1952 and was crowned in 1953.
This has been a lot of filming for what is a small part of the book’s story. Jadis rampages around London in one chapter of The Magician’s Nephew, chapter 7 “What Happened at the Front Door.” Digory and Polly are able to transport her away in the first few pages of the next chapter.
It’s unsurprising that this adventure in our world could be expanded for the movie. There’s the ability to add an action scene and visualize much of what Lewis ignores. The film circumstances seem different from the book’s, as the stunt Jadis is riding around with a stunt Digory. In the book, Digory stays at home while Jadis goes out with Uncle Andrew.
But while we’ve gotten all of this very open filming, it’s also noteworthy what we haven’t seen—any of the adult stars of the movie or any confirmation of the movie’s title.
Netflix continues to keep much of this under tight wrap. One major star has reportedly started filming (more below), but they have not been seen on the public sets. In fact, none of the main adult stars have been seen publicly.
IMAX and Netflix are reportedly planning a huge rollout for the movie (more below), but so far they’re staying quiet about any film details. Even those roles that have been rumored or even reported in major trade publications have not yet been officially confirmed by Netflix.
Maybe one day soon, we’ll have location photos of Emma Mackey on horseback, Daniel Craig, the children leads, all standing near a certain lamp post.
Sources:
Not Safe But Good
C.S. Lewis quote of the week
He who converts his neighbor has performed the most practical Christian-political act of all.
“Meditations on the Third Commandment,” God in the Dock
Tumnus’ bookshelf
Books by or about Lewis or Tolkien
While Lewis is always relevant, none of his works may be more relevant to our current moment than That Hideous Strength. If you haven’t read the Ransom trilogy, now is the perfect time to remedy that.
That Hideous Strength (ebook): $1.99 (83% off), paperback: $9.71 (49% off)
Other books on sale:
Spirits in Bondage: A Cycle of Lyrics (ebook): $0.99 (89% off)
Studies in Medieval and Renaissance Literature (ebook): $1.99 (87% off)
The Reading Life: The Joy of Seeing New Worlds Through Others' Eyes (ebook): $2.99 (79% off)
Behind the Wardrobe
Sneak peek at the bonus articles
For paid subscribers below, news on at least one Narnia star starting filming, IMAX’s publicity plans for the movie, a tech billionaire saving an Inkling hangout, a book auction with first editions from Lewis and Tolkien, a teaser for Rings of Power season 3 with a very famous sword, work to save a building that supposedly inspired an iconic Middle-earth location, and more.
