Original Narnia star Ben Barnes shares utmost praise and excitement for Greta Gerwig’s adaptation for Netflix

A still from The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian (Image via Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)
A still from The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian (Image via Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)

Actor Ben Barnes recently spoke about the upcoming adaptation of C.S. Lewis' The Chronicles of Narnia, which will offer auteur Greta Gerwig's fresh take on the source novels.

Barnes starred in the previous film trilogy that came out between 2005 and 2010. He played Prince Caspian, the brave and noble heir to the throne, with a strong moral compass. As Gerwig is gearing up for the production of her epic film with Netflix, he shared his appreciation for the Barbie filmmaker.

Here's what he said during his recent conversation with Variety,

“With classic literature, there’s no end to the ways they can be adapted as long as it’s being fresh and it’s speaking to a new generation. I think that those stories have this one, some fantasy really allows you to tell beautifully allegorical stories about hope and goodness and faith. I think that it’d be really interesting to see her take on that. I’m thrilled that [“Narnia”] is getting retold.”

Based on Barnes' comments, he seems thrilled about Gerwig's latest venture, which will be another time Lewis' literary classic will be brought to the big screen. He also points out how these allegorical fantasy tales leave the audience on a moral note. It can resonate with today's viewers just as it did in the 2000s.


Ben Barnes also speaks about the connection between Narnia and his upcoming project.

"Series: The Institute World Premiere" SXSW London 2025 - Screen - Day Four - Source: Getty
"Series: The Institute World Premiere" SXSW London 2025 - Screen - Day Four - Source: Getty

Ben Barnes was having a conversation with Variety about the upcoming supernatural horror series, The Institute, based on a Stephen King novel. At the time, he looked back at his experience of working on Narnia and spoke about the parallels with his new work. He said,

“When I was in my early twenties, I was involved in telling those stories for the next generation. So, to get back to playing a man with a real firm grasp on his moral compass, who is fighting to stand up for what’s right. It was something that I was really interested in.”

Barnes emphasizes the moral undertones in both stories that shape how the viewers see and understand its world.


Greta Gerwig's Narnia adaptation already feels like a star-studded affair

Stella McCartney Celebrates Ryder Bag Launch - Source: Getty
Stella McCartney Celebrates Ryder Bag Launch - Source: Getty

After putting a fresh spin on Mattel's popular line of dolls, Greta Gerwig is back on sets to bring C.S. Lewis' expansive vision to life. So far, its cast looks stacked with actors who have proven their mettle. Emma Mackey is said to be playing The White Witch, the antagonistic force in the stories, earlier played by Oscar-winning Tilda Swinton.

Apart from Mackey, Meryl Streep has reportedly been cast as the voice of Aslan, the great lion; former Bond star Daniel Craig as Uncle Andrew, and Carey Mulligan as Mabel Kirke. However, we're yet to receive a final confirmation on their specific roles.

Gerwig's first Narnia movie is reportedly adapting The Magician’s Nephew, the sixth novel in the series, which is chronologically the earliest one. It is expected to be theatrically released on November 26, 2026, in IMAX screens. Later on, it will be available to stream on Netflix on Christmas Day.

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Edited by Sohini Biswas