It seems likely that Emma Mackey, known from the Barbie movie, is set to play the White Witch in a Narnia adaptation directed by Greta Gerwig for Netflix.
There is some controversy around casting, with other actors like Charli XCX initially considered for the role.
Background
Emma Mackey, recognized for her role as Physicist Barbie in Greta Gerwig’s Barbie (2023), appears to be cast as Jadis, the White Witch, in Gerwig’s upcoming adaptation of The Chronicles of Narnia for Netflix. This project, based on C.S. Lewis’s books, is set to begin production soon, with Gerwig at the helm as director and screenwriter.
Details
The adaptation focuses on The Magician’s Nephew, the sixth book in the series but a prequel in the timeline, where the White Witch’s origins are explored. Recent reports confirm Mackey’s casting, marking a reunion with Gerwig. However, there was initial speculation about other actors, like Charli XCX, being considered, adding some complexity to the casting process.
Project Overview
Greta Gerwig, acclaimed for directing Barbie (2023), which grossed over a billion dollars worldwide, has been tapped to helm a new adaptation of C.S. Lewis’s The Chronicles of Narnia for Netflix. Announced in 2018, Netflix acquired the rights to adapt the seven-book series, with Gerwig’s involvement confirmed in 2020. The first film in this planned series is reportedly based on The Magician’s Nephew, the sixth published book but the first in chronological order, detailing the origins of Narnia and introducing Jadis, the White Witch. Production is slated to begin in July 2025 at Shepperton Studios in the UK, with an IMAX theatrical release planned for Thanksgiving Day 2026, followed by a Netflix debut on Christmas Day 2026 ([Greta Gerwig’s Narnia: Release Date, Cast, Story & Everything We Know]([invalid url, do not cite])).
Casting Details: Emma Mackey as the White Witch
Emma Mackey, a British and French actress known for her breakout role in the Netflix series Sex Education (2019–2023) and her portrayal of Physicist Barbie in Barbie (2023), has been confirmed to play Jadis, the White Witch, in Gerwig’s adaptation. This casting was first reported by The Hollywood Reporter on April 26, 2025, marking a reunion between Mackey and Gerwig ([Emma Mackey to Star as the Witch in Greta Gerwig’s Narnia]([invalid url, do not cite])). Mackey’s previous roles include Emily Brontë in the 2022 biopic Emily and a supporting role in Death on the Nile (2022), and she won the BAFTA Rising Star Award in 2023, following in the footsteps of former Narnia stars like James McAvoy and Will Poulter.
The casting process saw competition from other notable actresses, including Margaret Qualley (The Substance), Charli XCX, Mikey Madison, Daisy Ridley, and Saoirse Ronan, with reports initially suggesting Charli XCX was in talks for the role in March 2025 ([Charli XCX Eyed For Greta Gerwig & Netflix’s Narnia Movie: The Dish]([invalid url, do not cite])). However, by April 24, 2025, it was reported that Charli XCX was no longer in contention, with Mackey and Qualley screen-testing for the role, and Mackey ultimately securing it ([Emma Mackey and Margaret Qualley Testing for White Witch in Netflix’s ‘Narnia’ Movie]([invalid url, do not cite])).
Production and Release Strategy
Gerwig’s ambition for a theatrical release was realized with Netflix agreeing to an exclusive two-week IMAX run in November 2026, a rarity for the streamer, reflecting the project’s scale and Gerwig’s influence post-Barbie ([Greta Gerwig’s ‘Narnia’ Gets Imax Release]([invalid url, do not cite])). This move follows the success of Barbie, which benefited from a strong theatrical presence, and aims to position Narnia as a major fantasy franchise alongside Netflix’s other large-scale projects like The Witcher and One Piece.
Key Casting and Production Details
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Director | Greta Gerwig |
| Studio | Netflix |
| Adapted Book | The Magician’s Nephew (sixth book, prequel) |
| Lead Actress (White Witch) | Emma Mackey, confirmed April 26, 2025 |
| Other Considered Actresses | Margaret Qualley, Charli XCX, Mikey Madison, Daisy Ridley, Saoirse Ronan |
| Production Start | July 2025, Shepperton Studios, UK |
| Release Strategy | IMAX theatrical release Thanksgiving 2026, Netflix debut Christmas 2026 |
Context and Implications
Mackey’s casting as the White Witch is significant, given Jadis’s role as the primary antagonist in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe and her introduction in The Magician’s Nephew. Her previous collaboration with Gerwig on Barbie suggests a creative synergy, with Gerwig likely envisioning Mackey for the complex, villainous character. The competition for the role highlights the high profile of the project, with multiple A-list actresses vying for the part, and the initial speculation around Charli XCX adding a layer of intrigue to the casting process.
This adaptation aims to revitalize the Narnia franchise, which saw previous film adaptations in the 2000s (The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, 2005; Prince Caspian, 2008; The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, 2010) but struggled to maintain momentum. Netflix’s strategy, combined with Gerwig’s directorial vision, positions this as a potential reboot with broad appeal, leveraging both theatrical and streaming platforms.