A significant casting decision has been made for Greta Gerwig’s upcoming Chronicles of Narnia film: Emma Mackey will play the role of Jadis, the White Witch, the main antagonist of the series. This announcement marks a reunion between Gerwig and Mackey, who previously worked together on the film Barbie.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Mackey’s casting comes after months of speculation that she, along with Charli XCX and Margaret Qualley, were in contention for the role. The character of Jadis was famously portrayed by Tilda Swinton in the 2005 Disney film and its two sequels, Prince Caspian (2008) and Voyage of the Dawn Treader (2010).

Gerwig’s Narnia film is reportedly based on The Magician’s Nephew, the sixth book in C.S. Lewis’ beloved youth-fantasy series. Walden Media had initially planned to adapt Nephew as a continuation of the earlier film series but lost the rights to the Lewis estate. Since then, there have been multiple attempts to adapt the remaining books, ultimately resulting in Netflix acquiring the rights to produce new movies and shows, including Gerwig’s film.

So far, the only other confirmed casting for the new Narnia film is Meryl Streep as Aslan, the wise and powerful lion who allies with the Pevensie children to defeat the White Witch. Additional casting announcements are expected in the coming months, ahead of the film’s theatrical release, followed by its release on Netflix.

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