Stranger Things in Narnia
Door Jam: November 25, 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, news from other franchises, and interesting 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 possible hint at a cast member for Narnia.
Top Story
Because they have become popular young actors, the Stranger Things cast is often fan-cast in Narnia. An awkward moment during a press tour may have hinted that someone from the hit Netflix show will be staying with the streamer for Greta Gerwig’s Narnia adaptation, but it may not be who you think.
In a Vanity Fair video promoting Gladiator II, Joseph Quinn asked other cast members to guess his favorite franchise. After a couple of wrong guesses, Fred Hechinger shouts, “Narnia” and everyone reacts as if that was some big reveal. Brit+Co first noticed the reactions. Watch for yourself to see what you think.
Interestingly, Quinn’s actual answer was The Lord of the Rings.
While the 30-year-old Quinn played a high school student in the last season of Stranger Things, I doubt he could play one of the Pevensie children (or any of the other young leads from the other books). William Moseley was a late teenager when he played Peter in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2005).
But depending on which book is adapted, there are a couple options for Quinn. He could be an excellent Mr. Tumnus in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. James McAvoy was mid-20s when he played the role in 2005.
Prior to the Netflix acquisition, The Silver Chair was the next to be adapted. If they return to that story, Quinn is around the book age of Prince Rilian (31). Obviously, there are a host of other human, animal or mythical beast characters he could portray, depending on the book being adapted.
With Gerwig directing and writing the script, the project is sure to attract top actors as well as up-and-coming actors like Quinn, who parlayed his turn as Eddie Munson in Stranger Things to high profile roles in Gladiator II, 2025’s Fantastic Four, and potentially Narnia.
If Quinn is set to join Narnia, what role would you like to see him play?
Not Safe But Good
C.S. Lewis quote of the week
A man can’t always be defending the truth; there must be a time to feed on it.
Tumnus’ bookshelf
A book by or about C.S. Lewis
If you enjoy reading Lewis, you will appreciate his letters. They contain so much insight into his personality and writing. You’ll find ideas that appear later in a book being developed in correspondence with a friend. They’ll be reflections and discussions with readers about his latest work. If you can only get one, I’d recommend The Collected Letters of C.S. Lewis, Volume 3: Narnia, Cambridge, and Joy, 1950 - 1963.
More Behind The Wardrobe Door
From the archives
Other news for paid subscribers below includes a Lewis scholar’s takes on Gerwig’s potential as a Narnia adapter, reviews of books by and about Lewis, Narnia-like scenes at Oxford, newly discovered species named after Lord of the Rings characters, Tolkien’s gravesite, updates on upcoming Daredevil series, an interview with Martin Scorsese on faith and filmmaking, and more.
