Netflix has officially started filming The Chronicles of Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew in London. This is a big step forward for the adaptation, which was first announced in October 2018. Fans of C.S. Lewis’ classic series have been waiting a long time, and now the long-awaited prequel is finally coming to life on screen. According to NetFilming sources, production has already started in London, bringing the magical world of Narnia closer than ever.
Filming Locations and Set Design
According to narniaweb, the first scenes were shot around Bank Station and The Royal Exchange in central London over the past weekend. People saw director Greta Gerwig on set, where she was responsible for the movie. To recreate the mood of post-war Britain in the 1950s, large, detailed sets have been built. To make the scenes more realistic, extras and crew members worked together. The scenes have vintage cars, buses, and even signs from the time period.
The set pictures display props and posters for fake clubs, concerts, plays, and boxing matches, all designed to resemble those from the 1950s. This shift from the original late 1800s Victorian setting to 1955 presents the film a fresh perspective and could affect the timeline of future Narnia films. For instance, if The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is updated to match, its story might unfold in the early 2000s rather than during World War II.
About the Story
The Magician’s Nephew serves as a prequel to The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. Digory Kirke and Polly Plummer are two kids who accidentally let the evil White Witch loose on the streets of London. This is the beginning of Narnia and introduces many important parts of the story.
The book says that two friends go on a daring journey to another world, where they meet an evil sorceress and find the magical land of Narnia. The story talks about how Narnia started, how the wardrobe came to be, and Aslan’s song of creation, which sets the stage for the whole series.
Confirmed and Rumored Cast
While Netflix has not officially released the full cast list, several names have been confirmed or are widely rumoured:
- Emma Mackey – Cast as the White Witch (known for Barbie and Sex Education).
- Daniel Craig – Playing Uncle Andrew, the cunning magician.
- Meryl Streep – Expected to voice Aslan, adding her iconic presence to the film.
- Carey Mulligan – In negotiations for an undisclosed role.
- Louis Partridge – Role not yet confirmed, known for Enola Holmes.
These actors bring a mix of experience and star power, ensuring that the magical world of Narnia is portrayed with both depth and charm.
Why Start with The Magician’s Nephew?
Many fans thought Netflix would start with The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, but starting with The Magician’s Nephew makes sense from a story perspective. This prequel gives important background information, such as how Narnia was made and where the wardrobe came from. This sets up the multi-film series well. It also helps new readers understand the backstory of important characters like Aslan and the White Witch before they get into the later events.
Filming Schedule and Release Date
Production will continue in various locations across South and SoutheastEngland, including Shepperton Studios. Filming is expected to wrap in early 2026. Netflix’s adaptation will have a wide theatrical release first, opening on Thanksgiving Day, November 26, 2026, including IMAX screenings, and will then be available for streaming on Netflix on Christmas Day, December 25, 2026.
Fans can finally look forward to the magical journey that has been in the works for more than seven years, with filming now taking place in London and a release set for late 2026.
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