Netflix Executives Reportedly 'Freaking Out' Over Greta Gerwig's Narnia Film

Netflix executives are reportedly concerned about the reception of Greta Gerwig's upcoming adaptation of "The Magician's Nephew," the first installment in "The Chronicles of Narnia" series. According to multiple sources cited by entertainment journalist Jeff Sneider, test screenings for the $280 million film have been subpar, leading to internal discussions and unscheduled reshoots.

"It’s 100 percent true, and everyone at Netflix thinks the movie is awful. It’s a genuine problem," one source told The InSneider. Another described the atmosphere in the theater post-screening as "bleak."

The film has drawn attention for casting Meryl Streep as the voice of Aslan, the iconic lion character. In C.S. Lewis's original seven-book series, Aslan is a male figure and is widely interpreted as a Christ-like allegory. While the casting does not necessarily dictate the character's depiction, it has already drawn criticism from some conservative commentators.

Gerwig, who previously directed the commercially successful "Barbie," reportedly had friction with Netflix executive Dan Lin over early cuts of the film. Sources suggest that Gerwig complained to her agent about "meddling" and receiving "a lot of notes about early cuts." Lin has overseen Netflix's film slate since 2024.

This situation has drawn parallels to the post-production of "Barbie," which also faced executive concerns before its eventual critical and commercial success, earning multiple Academy Award nominations. The presence of three credited editors on "The Magician's Nephew," instead of Gerwig's typical one, has been cited as a potential indicator of external involvement in shaping the final cut.

Gerwig, in an interview with Empire magazine, described her casting of Streep as Aslan as an effort to find an actor who embodied "profound but not pretentious" qualities, with "gravitas but not morose self-seriousness." She also mentioned the influence of artists like David Bowie on her vision for the character, seeking a performer with both "wisdom of experience" and "fresh wonder, like a child."

The film's trailer, released recently, notably features music from Led Zeppelin, a band known for rarely licensing their work. The soundtrack choice, combined with the casting of Aslan, has amplified discussion around the adaptation.

The concerns surrounding "The Magician's Nephew" come at a time of broader challenges for Netflix. The streaming service recently announced significant layoffs, and its share price has seen a substantial decline since December. Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos acknowledged the company's growth has not met his expectations, stating, "Overall, we’re not growing as fast as I want us to, and we’re working on making that move faster."

"The Magician's Nephew" is slated for a theatrical release in February, followed by its debut on Netflix in April.