Emma Mackey to Play the White Witch in Greta Gerwig’s Bold New ‘Narnia’ Adaptation

Emma Mackey is stepping into one of fantasy’s most iconic roles, joining Greta Gerwig’s ambitious new take on The Chronicles of Narnia for Netflix. Fresh off their collaboration on Barbie, Mackey will portray the chilling White Witch — the same character once brought to life by Tilda Swinton — as Gerwig takes on C.S. Lewis’ beloved world with her own signature vision.

Sources confirm that Mackey will star alongside Meryl Streep, who is currently in talks to lend her voice to Aslan, the mighty and wise lion who guides the children of Narnia. Gerwig has written the script and will direct the project, which will focus on The Magician’s Nephew, the sixth novel in Lewis’ series, where the White Witch’s dark origins are crucial to the story.

Netflix’s new Narnia film is set for a major theatrical release, opening exclusively in IMAX theaters worldwide on Thanksgiving Day 2026 before moving to Netflix during the Christmas season. It marks the first major screen adaptation of the Narnia books since the original trilogy, which launched with The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe in 2005 and grossed hundreds of millions globally.

Gerwig, whose Barbie became the biggest box office hit of 2023 and won multiple Oscars, has been attached to the Narnia reboot since 2020. After winning acclaim for Lady Bird and her 2019 adaptation of Little Women, Gerwig’s move into the fantasy realm has sparked massive anticipation. Her unique ability to blend heartfelt storytelling with subversive wit is expected to bring a fresh depth to Lewis’ timeless allegory.

Emma Mackey, who first broke out with her starring role in Netflix’s Sex Education, continues her rise with a packed slate. She will star opposite Glen Powell and Jenna Ortega in J.J. Abrams’ next feature, leads Julia Ducournau’s new thriller Alpha premiering at Cannes next month, and headlines James L. Brooks’ return to directing with Ella McCay, coming this December.

While Netflix and Gerwig have remained tight-lipped about specific casting confirmations, insiders describe Mackey’s portrayal of the White Witch as “electrifying,” hinting at a character who will be as terrifying as she is mesmerizing. Mackey, who proved her range playing both lighthearted and layered characters in recent years, now takes on her darkest role yet.

Richard Osman, creator of The Thursday Murder Club, who recently gushed over the extraordinary cast assembling for his own Netflix project, described Gerwig’s Narnia casting news as “the most exciting thing happening in fantasy right now” on his podcast. And with a director like Gerwig at the helm, expectations are soaring sky-high for a Narnia that’s less fairy tale, more mythic epic.

Emma Mackey is represented by CAA, Johnson Shapiro Slewett & Kole, and Ziffren Brittenham LLP.