Barbie director Greta Gerwig is feeling pretty “bummed” about Netflix’s decision to release the Chronicles of Narnia reboot on streaming first instead of in theaters. According to Matthew Belloni’s What I’m Hearing newsletter, Gerwig tried to convince Netflix to change their minds, but they stood firm on their release plan.
The Chronicles of Narnia, based on C.S. Lewis’ beloved novels, first came to life with the 1950 classic, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, and continued with six more sequels. While the series has seen its fair share of small-screen adaptations, it wasn’t until 2005 that it made its big-screen debut, followed by Prince Caspian in 2008 and The Voyage of the Dawn Treader in 2010, bringing the franchise to a close.
In a heartfelt interview with Bleeding Cool, William Moseley, who portrayed Peter Pevensie in all three Narnia films, expressed his disappointment in the new direction the franchise is taking. As Netflix gears up to “rebrand and reboot” the series under Gerwig’s direction, Moseley revealed his sadness at not being a part of it anymore.
“I miss being a part of that world. It’s bittersweet,” Moseley shared. Despite no longer being involved in the franchise, he expressed his eagerness to visit the set and witness the magic being created. In an interview with Screen Rant, Moseley confessed that if given the chance, he would jump at the opportunity to rejoin the Narnia family.
However, Moseley acknowledged that his time with the series has come to an end. “If the opportunity ever arises, I’d be thrilled to be a part of it again. But for now, I have to accept that chapter of my life is closed,” he said. In July 2023, it was officially announced that Gerwig would be at the helm of Netflix’s highly-anticipated Chronicles of Narnia reboot.
In a candid conversation with Collider, Gerwig addressed previous reports of her feeling “scared” about taking on such a monumental project. “When I feel scared, I know I’m onto something special,” she shared. “It’s a thrilling challenge, and I’m excited to see where this journey takes me.”
The untitled Chronicles of Narnia reboot is set to premiere on Netflix in 2025, bringing a fresh perspective to this timeless tale.
