The Chronicles of Narnia: Sex Education Star Cast as White Witch

The upcoming Netflix adaptation of "The Chronicles of Narnia" is making progress: as the industry portal The Hollywood Reporter informs, an actress has now been found for the role of the White Witch. The actress in question is "Sex Education" star Emma Mackey.

Emma Mackey as White Witch

The White Witch is actually called Jadis and is the antagonist of "The Chronicles of Narnia" series. The powerful sorceress has of course also played an important role in Disney's previous film adaptations. There she was played by the Oscar-winning actress Tilda Swinton.

Now Emma Mackey is set to fill her shoes. The actress is known for her roles in "Barbie" and the new adaptation of "Death on the Nile", for example. She also appeared in all episodes of the popular Netflix series "Sex Education". For the "Narnia" reboot, she will once again be working with "Barbie" director Greta Gerwig. Gerwig will direct the new movie and also write the screenplay.

The Magician's Nephew

It will probably be based on the book "The Magician's Nephew". Chronologically, the novel is set at the beginning of the fantasy series by author C.S. Lewis. It focuses on the children Digory and Polly. They discover a door to other worlds with the help of the magic of Digory's eccentric uncle and witness the creation of Narnia.

Further Casting Rumors

Over the past weeks and months, there have already been initial casting rumors. Hollywood legend Meryl Streep is currently being considered for the role of the lion Aslan. Aslan is a pivotal character in "The Chronicles of Narnia" series. Another rumor concerns Daniel Craig. The "James Bond" actor could take on the role of Digory's uncle Andrew.

Release Date

The new "Narnia" adaptation will be released next year. The movie will have a limited IMAX theatrical release for two weeks from November 26, 2026. After that, there will be a Netflix premiere at Christmas. It is planned that there will be more than just one movie, but it remains to be seen how much of the fantasy saga will eventually be filmed.

So far, there are three movies in the series: "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe", "Prince Caspian" and "The Voyage of the Dawn Treader".

The Magician's Nephew by C.S. Lewis – An Introduction to the Fantastic World of Narnia

The novel "The Magician's Nephew" was published in 1955 by the British author C.S. Lewis. Although it was released as the sixth book, in terms of plot it is the first in the chronological order of the "Narnia" story. The novel tells the prequel to the later main story and explains, among other things, the creation of the world of Narnia and the origin of the witch Jadis.

Story of "The Magician's Nephew"

The story focuses on two children, Digory and his friend Polly, who travel to different worlds thanks to a magical experiment by Digory's uncle Andrew. With the help of magic rings, they discover an intermediate world – the "Wood Between the Worlds" – from where they can reach other universes. In one of these worlds, Charn, they inadvertently awaken the evil sorceress Jadis, who later becomes known in the fantasy series as the "White Witch".

As the story progresses, the children arrive with Jadis in the still empty world of Narnia, which they witness being created by the lion Aslan. Aslan sings Narnia into existence – an important moment that emphasizes Aslan's crucial role as the creator and guardian of this world. Digory is finally given the task of retrieving a magical apple from a distant garden in order to protect Narnia's Garden of Youth. The plot is not only about courage and obedience, but also about moral decisions and overcoming temptation.

Themes of the Novel

"The Magician's Nephew" contains many symbolic and religious elements, especially Christian references to creation, sin and redemption. The novel is not only an exciting adventure story for children, but also a complex work with ethical and spiritual themes. C.S. Lewis combines classic fantasy with moral issues and creates a fascinating new world whose origins shape the rest of the "Narnia" series.

"The Magician's Nephew" is an important introduction to the "Narnia" universe and is perfect for introducing readers of all ages to the magical world. With its vivid style, multi-layered plot and symbolism, the novel is more than just a children's book – it is a classic of fantasy literature.