Gerwig Confirms Streep as Aslan in 'Narnia,' Cites Bowie as Inspiration
Director Greta Gerwig has confirmed that Meryl Streep will voice Aslan in her upcoming 'Narnia' film. Gerwig told Empire she sought an actor with gravitas and childlike wonder, and cited David Bowie as an inspiration for the adaptation.
Gerwig's comments to Empire reveal a deliberate casting process, emphasizing Streep's combination of emotional range and playful energy. The director specifically sought an actor over 70 who could balance wisdom with youthful curiosity, criteria she believes narrows the field considerably. This marks the second collaboration between Gerwig and Streep following their work together on "Little Women," where Streep played Aunt March. The film is an adaptation of C.S. Lewis's beloved fantasy series, with Streep taking on the role of Aslan, the creator figure of Narnia. Gerwig has also cited musician David Bowie as a creative touchstone for her adaptation approach, suggesting a distinctive tonal direction for the project.
This high-profile casting choice could reshape audience expectations for fantasy adaptations, particularly regarding voice performance standards. Gerwig's emphasis on emotional authenticity over spectacle may influence how other directors approach beloved literary characters. The film's success could also affect Streep's late-career trajectory, potentially opening more voice roles for veteran actors. Younger viewers encountering Narnia through this adaptation may develop different associations with the material than previous generations, while longtime fans may measure the film against their established mental images of Aslan.