The Harry Potter Actor Who Almost Spoiled Narnia
Door Jam: July 14, 2026
If anyone was going to ruin Narnia, it would be Lucius Malfoy, the patriarch of the evil magical family in the Harry Potter series.
In 2024, years before Netflix officially confirmed The Magician’s Nephew as their first Narnia movie, actor Jason Isaacs shared his favorite books and included the Narnia prequel “because Greta Gerwig is about to make a film of it, which I can’t wait to see.”
He had no idea this was anything more than recommending books he loved and encouraging a friend’s work.
I just know one of the people working on the production team and I know they are working on The Magician’s Nephew, I think. So when I did a collection of ‘best books,’ I picked it; I thought my friend would like it. I didn’t know I was blowing some terrible secret.
The man who has played some iconic screen villains, including Malfoy in the Harry Potter films and Col. William Tavington in The Patriot, said the Narnia books were his favorites growing up.
I do think the Narnia books deserve slightly better treatment than they’ve had because they captivated me so much as a kid. I learned so much about life from them. I can’t wait to see what [Gerwig] does with them.
Isaacs has said he faced bullying and antisemitism growing up in a Jewish family, which he harnessed for his villainous roles.
I’m glad to see Lewis’ writing encouraged him during what was sure to be a difficult childhood and continue to captivate him today.
He said flatly that he is not currently involved in Gerwig’s adaptation. But with his love for the source material, I hope he’s attached to a future adaptation.
He could be a great Telmarine lord in Prince Caspian, voice a giant in The Silver Chair, or maybe even let him play a good guy for once.
Not Safe But Good
C.S. Lewis quote of the week
Mellontolatry, or the worship of the future, is a fuddled religion.
“Evil and God” in God in the Dock
I hope to write about our culture’s obsession with “mellontolatry” soon.
Tumnus’ bookshelf
Books by or about Lewis or Tolkien
Yours, Jack is a collection of spiritual advice from Lewis’ letters.
Yours, Jack: Spiritual Direction from C.S. Lewis (ebook) — $9.99 (50% off)
Other books:
A Mind Awake: An Anthology of C. S. Lewis (ebook) — $7.99 (39% off)
All My Road Before Me: The Diary of C. S. Lewis, 1922-1927 (ebook) — $7.99 (39% off)
The Personal Heresy: A Controversy (ebook) — $6.99 (50% off)
The Business of Heaven: Daily Readings (ebook) — $5.99 (43% off)
Spirits in Bondage: A Cycle of Lyrics (ebook) — $5.99 (50% off)
Behind the Wardrobe
Sneak peek at the bonus articles
One place that won’t see Narnia on the big screen
Good signs about the Digory Kirke actor
The latest on The Hunt for Gollum and Rings of Power season 3
Recently sold Tolkien letters reveal insights into a late-life friendship, feelings on Lewis’ death
And more!
