Former James Bond star Daniel Craig has officially confirmed his participation in Greta Gerwig’s highly anticipated adaptation of The Chronicles of Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew for Netflix, marking a significant milestone for the fantasy reboot. The announcement came during a red carpet interview at the London Film Festival premiere of his latest film, Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, where Gerwig herself made an appearance, fueling excitement about the project.
Daniel Craig talks filming ‘Narnia’ with director Greta Gerwig, who attended the #LFF premiere of his new film ‘Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery’ tonight pic.twitter.com/oM3tB7L0DV
— Deadline (@DEADLINE) October 8, 2025
Craig, 57, described the filming experience as “great” and “amazing” in a brief chat with Deadline, though he remained coy about specifics of his role. Industry insiders and fans alike have long speculated that he will portray Uncle Andrew Ketterley, the eccentric and nefarious magician central to the prequel story. This casting rumor first surfaced in March 2025 when Netflix reportedly extended an offer to the actor, fresh off his Bond tenure. With this confirmation, Craig joins a stellar ensemble, becoming the fourth officially announced cast member.
The film boasts an impressive lineup, including Emma Mackey as Jadis, the formidable White Witch, who was spotted alongside Craig at the festival. Carey Mulligan, confirmed in May, and Denise Gough, who joined in September and hinted at a “mean role,” round out the known adult cast. Rumors persist about Meryl Streep’s involvement, though unconfirmed, adding to the buzz surrounding Gerwig’s vision. Production kicked off in July 2025, with cameras rolling on what promises to be a fresh take on C.S. Lewis’s beloved series. Netflix aims for an autumn 2026 release, positioning the film as a major tentpole in its fantasy slate.
Gerwig, the acclaimed director behind Barbie and Little Women, is helming this reboot, her first venture into high fantasy. She signed on in 2020 to adapt and direct, opting to start with The Magician’s Nephew—the chronological origin story of Narnia—rather than the more familiar The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. The novel explores the creation of the magical world, featuring young protagonists Digory and Polly who stumble into other realms via Uncle Andrew’s experiments. This choice allows Gerwig to infuse her signature character-driven storytelling into a tale of wonder, morality, and adventure.
The original Narnia films from 2005 to 2010, produced by Disney and Fox, grossed over $1.5 billion worldwide, but the series stalled after The Voyage of the Dawn Treader. Netflix’s revival reflects Hollywood’s ongoing trend of IP reboots, leveraging star power and directorial talent to attract both nostalgic fans and new audiences. Craig’s post-Bond career has seen him embrace diverse roles, from Benoit Blanc in the Knives Out series to this fantastical turn, showcasing his versatility.
Fans on social media erupted with enthusiasm following the confirmation, praising the casting choices and speculating on Aslan’s voice— a role yet to be revealed. As filming progresses, anticipation builds for Gerwig’s interpretation, which could blend whimsy with deeper themes of creation and corruption.
This development underscores Netflix’s investment in premium content, with Gerwig’s presence at the Knives Out premiere highlighting cross-promotional synergies within the streamer’s ecosystem. More details are expected as production advances, but for now, Craig’s confirmation has reignited the magic of Narnia for a new generation.
