“The Chronicles of Narnia” is one of the best-known fantasy series of the 2000s and should arouse a lot of nostalgia in many film fans. The triology is based on the seven-part book series of the same name by C.S. Lewis and caused a real hype when the first film was released in 2005.
But even though further films were being discussed for the “Narnia” franchise, the fantasy series ended in 2010 with the third and, for the time being, last part. Now “The Chronicles of Narnia” fans can look forward to new adventure material. Because soon there will be new parts of the successful saga.
Already in 2018, the streaming giant “Netflix” secured the film rights to “Narnia”. A good five years later, it is clear how the magical world will continue from now on: The provider is said to have commissioned two more “Narnia” parts. And for these, Greta Gerwig, who is already responsible for hits like “Little Women” and the soon-to-be-released “Barbie” film, is said to be responsible for the screenplay and direction, as “The New Yorker” reports.
Promising news for fans of the saga. Although the previous three parts “The King of Narnia”, “Prince Caspian of Narnia” and “The Voyage of the Dawn Treader” have brought in around 1.6 billion US dollars, they have often been criticized for their productions.
In particular, the influence of Lewis’ Christian beliefs on the Narnia stories was considered problematic. The author was born in Belfast in 1898 and is one of the most influential Christian apologists of modern times. And the Irishman has also expressed his views in his works. While some appreciated the messages in “Narnia”, others were critical of the problematic portrayals of women.
Aslan, the king of Narnia in the form of a lion, is interpreted as Christ, with his sacrificial death reminiscent of the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. The children, on the other hand, who go on adventurous journeys to save the kingdom, are seen as Aslan’s disciples and the devil himself is said to have an appearance in the form of the witch Jadis as a temptress, who is referred to as a sin because she is tender and beautiful as well be cold and cruel.
We won’t find out how much of the interpretations are so soon. It is clear, however, that the values conveyed at the time – the “Narnia” saga dates back to 1939 and 1954 – are no longer up to date. Director Gerwig should now ensure that the presentation of this will change in the coming parts. And she might be the right person for it, because the self-confessed feminist is known for her stirring films full of feminist messages.
An exact release date is not yet known. However, it will take a while before parts four and five are available to stream on Netflix, as there is no script, cast or schedule. But as the saying goes: anticipation is certainly the greatest joy.
Source: “The New Yorker”, “rpp-catholic”
