Netflix's "Chronicles Of Narnia" Finds Its Director

Greta Gerwig, who will soon be in theaters with Warner Bros.’ highly-anticipated "Barbie" movie, is attached to direct the film version of "The Chronicles of Narnia" books for Netflix.

While no official announcement has been made, it has long been rumored that Gerwig, who worked with the streamer on the Noah Baumbach-directed "White Noise", would direct a Narnia movie. 

According to New Yorker, Gerwig has a deal to direct two movies in author C.S. Lewis’ Narnia franchise.

In 2018, Netflix announced had acquired the movie and TV rights to "The Chronicles of Narnia" book series. 

“Families have fallen in love with characters like Aslan and the entire world of Narnia, and we’re thrilled to be their home for years to come.” Said Ted Sarandos at the time.

Since the 2018 acquisition, the streamer has yet to announce any projects based on the beloved book series.

Netflix has long talked about franchise ambitions and has been collecting IP to bolster those efforts, including acquiring the Roald Dahl Story Company. The streamer released a movie musical adaptation of Dahl’s "Matilda" while Wes Anderson recently completed an adaptation of the author’s "The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar".

As for Gerwig, Narnia continues a trajectory towards bigger-budget filmmaking and a penchant for adaptation. Following her directorial break-out with "Lady Bird", which netted five Oscar nominations including best director and best screenplay, Gerwig tackled Louisa May Alcott’s "Little Women" for Sony before jumping on the Margot Robbie-fronted "Barbie".

"Barbie" is currently tracking for an impressive North American box office bow in the $80 million range.

Before Netflix acquired the rights, Disney made adaptations of the novels "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" (2005) and "Prince Caspian"  (2008). Fox released "The Voyage of the Dawn Treader" in 2010.