Meryl Streep's Voice for Aslan Sparks Outrage and Debate

The upcoming film adaptation of C.S. Lewis's "The Magician’s Nephew," directed by Greta Gerwig, is already facing backlash before its release, centered on the casting of Meryl Streep to voice the character of Aslan the lion. This decision has ignited a debate among conservative Christian commentators, who view Aslan as a literary representation of Jesus Christ.

The core of the controversy lies in the potential for Aslan, traditionally depicted as a male lion with a mane, to be voiced by a female actor. Critics argue that portraying a divine Christ figure as anything other than male is an affront to their faith, citing biblical references to God the Father and Jesus as the Son. Seth Udinsky, writing for The Christian Post, described the casting as a tactic by "enemies of God" to undermine Christian symbols and stated that Gerwig is turning Aslan "transgender," pointing to a promotional image featuring rainbow-tinted whiskers.

Filmmakers often adapt literary works by altering timelines, merging characters, or making other creative choices. Gerwig, for instance, is setting "The Magician’s Nephew" in the 1950s, a departure from the book's original 1900s setting. While Streep's casting does not definitively mean Aslan will be depicted as female, the mere suggestion has drawn sharp criticism.

However, some Lewis scholars and fans are adopting a more measured stance, emphasizing the need to see the film before passing judgment. The movie is slated for a February theatrical release. Kat Coffin, a writer and scholar of C.S. Lewis, expressed concern not about the casting itself, but about the "violently opposed and angry" reactions to the possibility of a divine incarnation being hinted at as feminine. Gerwig, in her public statements, has not directly addressed the gender question but stated she sought an actor with profound gravitas, wisdom, and the capacity for wonder, identifying Streep as fitting these criteria.

Gerwig is known for her feminist interpretations of popular children's literature in previous films such as "Barbie" and "Little Women." Further fueling the controversy is a report from Empire magazine suggesting Gerwig drew inspiration from artist David Bowie, known for his gender fluidity, in her depiction of Aslan, who is described as having different colored eyes and a "bold red-striped visage."

"The Magician’s Nephew," published in 1955, chronicles the adventures of Digory and Polly as they discover the land of Narnia and inadvertently bring an evil witch into the newly created world. Aslan, in the Narnia series, is a central figure who guides his followers in battling evil.

Ted Baehr, founder of Movieguide, which advises Christian parents on media, believes that a female portrayal of Aslan challenges Christian doctrine. While acknowledging Gerwig's directing talent, Baehr suggested she may underestimate the significance of this issue for many Christians. He contrasted the adaptation of Narnia with "The Odyssey," arguing that Lewis's works, which parallel biblical narratives, cannot be adapted as freely as Greek myths, stating, "The Gospel is not a myth."

The strong reactions underscore the deep connection many Christians, especially evangelicals, feel to C.S. Lewis and his works. The Narnia series has sold over 120 million copies worldwide, and its Christian readership feels a particular sense of attachment to the stories and their spiritual themes. Christin Ditchfield Lazo, an author specializing in Lewis, noted that many people who cherish the stories are concerned about faithful representation. She urged Christians to reserve judgment, differentiating between a woman voicing a male character and changing the character's gender, and noting that gender-bending roles have a long history in performance.

Many evangelicals had embraced earlier film adaptations of the Narnia books, which featured Liam Neeson voicing Aslan. Coffin pointed out that Aslan himself exhibits feminine characteristics in the books, such as appearing as a lamb with a "sweet milky voice."

Representatives for Joy Davidman Gresham, Lewis's late wife, and The C.S. Lewis Co., which holds intellectual property rights, have expressed enthusiasm for Gerwig's work, citing her passion and love for the Narnia stories. A statement from Gresham's family, provided by Netflix, praised Gerwig's "sincere passion" and commitment, noting their excitement in working with her and the production team.