Movies

Greta Gerwig’s Narnia Movie Boosts Minor Character’s Role and Reveals His Hidden Connections

BBG News

Warning: Contains SPOILERS for The Magician’s Nephew novel!

Greta Gerwig’s forthcoming Netflix film based on “The Chronicles of Narnia” series is among the most eagerly anticipated projects set for release in the near future, and it significantly enhances one minor character from “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.” There has been much speculation about Gerwig’s upcoming adaptation of C.S. Lewis’ classic fantasy novels, particularly regarding how this new project will differ from Disney’s trilogy. Although Netflix announced its adaptation in 2018, details have only recently begun to emerge, such as which book will be adapted first.

As a dedicated movie enthusiast, I can’t help but reminisce about Disney’s extraordinary “The Chronicles of Narnia” film series. This iconic franchise has left an indelible mark on pop culture, with its visual aesthetic becoming synonymous with the magic of Narnia. Yet, the challenges in adapting “The Silver Chair” persisted until 2017, when Netflix stepped into the picture, acquiring the rights to this enchanting world.

Fast forward to 2023, and the success story continues with Greta Gerwig, fresh from the triumph of “Barbie,” taking the helm for Netflix’s upcoming Narnia projects. Unlike traditional adaptations, these new ventures promise a multi-faceted exploration within the franchise.

However, even before the cameras start rolling, this project seems to be treading on unusual grounds. It will be fascinating to see how Gerwig weaves her unique storytelling magic into the tapestry of Narnia.

Digory Is The Magician’s Nephew’s Returning Narnia Character Who Benefits The Most From The Prequel

It Explains The Professor’s Backstory

Instead of choosing to adapt “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe,” the initial book in the Narnia series, Greta Gerwig and Netflix have decided to go with “The Magician’s Nephew” as their adaptation. Although it is the sixth book published in the franchise, it serves as a prequel, taking place in 1940 and delving into the origins of the portal to Narnia through a wardrobe. However, this film shares strong connections with “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe,” featuring one character who held a minor role in the first Disney movie’s adaptation.

In “The Magician’s Nephew,” we follow the story of Digory Kirke, a spirited young lad residing in London with his Uncle Andrew. Uncle Andrew has crafted enchanted rings capable of transporting their bearer to diverse realms, which Digory discovers and explores. Eventually, by the end of the novel, Digory embeds the core of one of Aslan’s magical apples on Earth. Later, he utilizes the wood from this planting to construct the famous wardrobe found in “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.

In the story of “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe,” the character known as Professor Digory Kirke remains a part of the narrative. The principal characters in this tale stumble upon the Professor’s residence, utilizing his wardrobe to access the land of Narnia. Although he doesn’t appear extensively in the initial book of the Narnia series by C.S. Lewis, it’s exciting to learn that the Netflix series will focus more on him in its first “Narnia” film adaptation.

Digory Is The Magician’s Nephew’s Returning Narnia Character Who Benefits The Most From The Prequel

Since Aslan & The White Witch Already Get A Lot Of Screen Time

Among the characters from “The Magician’s Nephew” who reappear in “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe”, Digory experiences the greatest growth as a result of the prequel. Aslan and the White Witch receive ample attention in the main series, so their histories are not crucial for viewers to understand. However, they do gain more depth in “The Magician’s Nephew”, but it is not essential for readers or viewers to delve into their pasts.

In contrast, Professor plays a minimal role in “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe,” with his backstory unfolding in “The Magician’s Nephew.” Despite being central to the Narnia series, as he is the creator of the wardrobe to Narnia, it’s crucial for the Netflix project to not delay his storyline until the sixth Narnia tale.

The Magician’s Nephew Makes Digory A Key Player In Narnia’s History

He Is Behind The White Witch’s Existence

In the tale, Digory significantly contributes to both the journey of the characters into Narnia and its internal events. When he employs the enchanted rings, an initial trip takes him to Charn where he inadvertently revives a being named Janis. Later, by scattering a magical apple seed, Digory manages to contain Janis for extended periods. By the time The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe unfolds, however, it is revealed that Janis has resurfaced as the White Witch.

In essence, Digory is the character who sets free the primary villain from the initial “Narnia” novel into the land of Narnia. By releasing “The Magician’s Nephew” initially, it creates a grand two-part narrative for Greta Gerwig’s film adaptation of the “Chronicles of Narnia,” setting an extraordinary sequencing that distinguishes the movie from others.

Read More

2025-06-04 22:28

Previous post Adam Pendleton’s ‘Love, Queen’ Reframes Protest and Abstraction
Next post Bitcoin’s Old Favorite ROARS Back in 2025! Who Says Nostalgia Isn’t Profitable? 😂