Liam Neeson, who voiced the mythical lion Aslan in the original Chronicles of Narnia film trilogy, recently learned that Meryl Streep has been cast to voice the character in Greta Gerwig’s upcoming adaptation, Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew. Neeson, speaking to ScreenRant, admitted he was unaware of the new project until the casting news was shared with him during the interview.
Meryl Streep Voices Aslan in Greta Gerwig Film
- Meryl Streep will provide the voice for Aslan in Greta Gerwig’s Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew.
- Liam Neeson, the voice of Aslan in the original trilogy, expressed support for the casting choice despite being previously unaware of the film’s development.
- The project is scheduled for a theatrical release on February 12, 2027, followed by a Netflix streaming debut on April 2, 2027.
Neeson Reacts to the Aslan Casting Choice
When informed that Streep would be voicing the creator of the Narnia world, Neeson offered a candid reaction to the gender-swapped casting. “Meryl is playing Jesus Christ? Well, if you’re going to make Christ a lady, nobody better than Meryl,” Neeson told ScreenRant.
Watch Liam Neeson learn about Meryl Streep voicing Aslan in Greta Gerwig's new Narnia adaptation in real time! 🦁 pic.twitter.com/fgPmvtyPE8
The casting choice aligns with Gerwig’s specific vision for the character. In an interview with Empire, the director explained that she sought an actor who could embody profound wisdom while maintaining a sense of “fresh wonder.” Gerwig noted, “I wanted someone who was older than 70, so there was a wisdom of experience, but who also had the capacity of fresh wonder, like a child. And also to be one of the greatest actors to ever do it. That list is not a long one.”
Gerwig’s Vision for the Narnia Reboot
Gerwig’s approach to the character extends beyond the vocal performance. The director revealed that the visual concept for Aslan draws inspiration from David Bowie, specifically citing his multicolored eyes and the red-striped face as design influences. Gerwig described the overall tone of the film as “big and transporting,” characterizing the production as feeling more like a “rock opera” than a traditional fantasy adaptation.
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Theatrical Premiere | February 12, 2027 |
| Netflix Streaming Debut | April 2, 2027 |
Shifting Strategy in Franchise Management
The transition from the original trilogy to Gerwig’s version is underway.
How do you feel about the decision to cast Meryl Streep as the voice of Aslan in this new, rock-opera-inspired take on the franchise? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
