The Chronicles of Narnia: Meryl Streep in Talks for the Role of Aslan
Daniel Craig and pop star Charli XCX are also set to take on roles
The production of "The Chronicles of Narnia" reboot under Greta Gerwig continues to progress. Now, according to Deadline, Hollywood icon Meryl Streep is apparently in talks for the role of the lion Aslan. However, no official offer has yet been made.
Aslan, the talking lion and spiritual leader of Narnia, is a central character in C.S. Lewis' fantasy series "The Chronicles of Narnia". Traditionally portrayed as a male, he embodies an allegorical representation of Jesus Christ in the literary original. The fact that Gerwig is planning to cast Aslan as a female in her adaptation indicates a bold and progressive creative approach. No final details on the character's design are yet known.
The new film adaptation is based on the sixth novel in the series, "The Magician's Nephew", which chronologically tells the beginning of the "Narnia" saga. It focuses on the children Digory Kirke and Polly Plummer, who discover a door to other worlds with the help of the magic of Digory's eccentric uncle and witness the creation of Narnia.
In addition to Meryl Streep, there are other prominent names circulating for the project: pop star Charli XCX is said to be in talks for the role of the White Witch. Daniel Craig, known as the last "James Bond" actor, could also take on a role – allegedly as Digory's mysterious uncle.
Netflix had already announced in 2018 that it had acquired the rights to "The Chronicles of Narnia" with the aim of producing a new set of series and films. Greta Gerwig, who recently enjoyed international box office success with "Barbie", was signed on as a director in 2020. Filming on the first movie is scheduled to begin this year. The reboot is set to be released in time for Thanksgiving on November 26, 2026.
Meryl Streep: The Versatile Queen of Hollywood and her Most Famous Films
Meryl Streep is considered one of the greatest actresses of all time – a living legend with a career spanning five decades. With over 20 Oscar nominations (more than any other actress in history) and three Academy Awards, she has secured a permanent place in the pantheon of film history not only for her talent, but also for her versatility and emotional depth. Whether drama, musical or comedy, Streep masters every role with unparalleled precision. Here's a look at some of her best-known and most significant films.
Kramer vs. Kramer (1979)
This movie earned Meryl Streep her first Oscar – for Best Supporting Actress. In "Kramer v. Kramer", she plays Joanna Kramer, a mother who abandons her son and later reclaims custody. The family drama impressively shows the emotional ordeal of a divorce from the perspective of both parents. Streep's nuanced portrayal of a woman torn apart inside impressed critics and audiences alike and marked her definitive breakthrough in Hollywood.
Sophie's Choice (1982)
With "Sophie's Choice", Meryl Streep gave one of the most moving performances in film history. As Polish Holocaust survivor Sophie Zawistowski, struggling with a traumatic past, she delivered a performance of heartbreaking intensity. Her performance earned her the Oscar for Best Actress in a Leading Role. The famous "choice" scene, in which Sophie is forced to choose between her children, is still one of the most impressive sequences in film history.
Out of Africa (1985)
Streep shines alongside Robert Redford in this epic romantic drama as Danish author Karen Blixen. "Out of Africa", based on Blixen's autobiographical novel, won seven Oscars – including Best Picture. Streep's portrayal of an independent woman in colonial Kenya remains unforgettable, as do the picturesque landscape shots and John Barry's rousing soundtrack.
The Devil Wears Prada (2006)
In this modern classic, Streep shines in a role that turned her image on its head – as ice-cold fashion boss Miranda Priestly. Based on Anna Wintour, the editor-in-chief of US Vogue, Streep shows her comedic yet terrifying side here. She gives her character a depth that goes far beyond the cliché of the "bossy woman". The role earned her another Oscar nomination and also made her known to a younger audience.
Mamma Mia! (2008)
Hardly anyone would have expected Meryl Streep to blossom so much in an ABBA musical. But as Donna Sheridan, a fun-loving single mother on a Greek island, she shows a new facet: carefree, singing and dancing. The movie became a worldwide hit and proved that Streep is also a convincing musical actress. Her performance of "The Winner Takes It All" is one of the film's most emotional moments.
The Iron Lady (2011)
Streep received her third Oscar for her role as British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. In "The Iron Lady", she shows the stateswoman in all her complexity – as a dominant political figure, but also as an elderly woman struggling with dementia. Streep's transformation, both externally and vocally, was so convincing that many viewers completely forgot she was an actress.
Into the Woods (2014)
In this dark musical adaptation of the Brothers Grimm fairy tale, Streep played the witch – eccentric, shrill, but also vulnerable. Her role earned her another Oscar nomination and once again proved her skills as a singer and stage character. The mixture of fairy tale, drama and music obviously suits Streep, as she gives the supernatural character an unexpected depth.
Little Women (2019)
In Greta Gerwig's acclaimed adaptation of the classic "Little Women", Streep plays the strict, conservative Aunt March. Although her role is smaller, she provides some of the most pointed and witty dialog in the movie. Her presence is another example of how even a supporting role can shine under her leadership.
Conclusion
Meryl Streep is far more than just a great actress – she is a cultural phenomenon. Her ability to transform herself into a wide variety of characters, her incomparable sense of emotion and timing, and her courage to be versatile make her an exceptional phenomenon. Her filmography is not only impressive, it is a mirror of modern film history. Whether as Sophie, Miranda or Donna – she gives every character a soul. And that makes her the Meryl Streep we admire.
